Suicidal Behavior in Women With Eating Disorders: The Mediating Role of Perceived Burdensomeness and Thwarted Belongingness

Women with Eating Disorders (EDs) are at heightened risk for suicide. The aim of this study was to examine the mediating role of various factors in relation to SB among women with EDs. The study included 64 women with EDs, 62 women with non-ED mental disorders and 39 healthy controls. Participants completed a battery of instruments assessing SB, impulsivity, depression, and interpersonal difficulties. Findings revealed that participants with EDs exhibited higher levels of depression compared to the other two groups. Three mediation models were identified: impulsivity was associated with SB only in the control group while depression was linked to SB solely among participants with non-ED mental disorders. Interpersonal difficulties mediated the pathway from depression to SB in both clinical groups, with this relationship being significantly stronger among EDs. Our findings underscore the central role of interpersonal difficulties on the link between depression and SB among women with EDs.