Research Article ROLE OF ANXIETY SENSITIVITY SUBFACTORS IN SUICIDAL IDEATION AND SUICIDE ATTEMPT HISTORY

Daniel W. Capron, B.A., Kristin Fitch, M.S., Amanda Medley, B.S., Christopher Blagg, M.S.,Michael Mallott, M.S., and Thomas Joiner, Ph.D.Background: Anxiety along with anxiety-related risk factors has been increas-ingly implicated in suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. One such risk factor,anxiety sensitivity (AS), refers to fear of anxiety-related sensations. Subfactors ofAS, notably physical and cognitive concerns, seem to be relevant to acquiredcapability, a risk factor for death by suicide from Joiner’s (2005) Interpersonal–Psychological Theory of Suicide. Methods: This study examined the effect ofAnxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI) total score and subfactor scores on suicidalideation and suicide attempt history in a very large, moderately severe outpatientsample (N51,378). Results: Analyses were consistent with our a prioripredictions about ASI cognitive concern and suicidal ideation. In contrast, ASIphysical concerns did not predict previous suicide attempt as well as ASI cognitiveor social concerns. However, ASI physical concerns did moderate the relationshipbetween ASI social concerns and previous suicide attempt. Conclusions: Thesefindings suggest that suicide potential may be related to cognitive risk factors foranxiety. Depression and Anxiety