@article{ref1,
title="Pulling together - the protective role of belongingness for depression, suicidal ideation and behavior among suicide-bereaved individuals",
journal="Crisis",
year="2021",
author="Levi-Belz, Yossi and Feigelman, William",
volume="ePub",
number="ePub",
pages="ePub-ePub",
abstract="BACKGROUND: While belongingness has frequently been investigated in the general population as an antidote to experiencing depression, suicidal thoughts, and suicidal behavior, it has rarely been evaluated as a protective factor among individuals bereaved by suicide. Aims: We examined whether perceived belongingness could moderate the differences between suicide-bereaved, suicide-exposed, and nonexposed respondents regarding depression, suicide ideation, and suicide attempts. <br><br>METHOD: We conducted an online survey of the adult Israeli population (N = 806), with 203 suicide-bereaved, 266 suicide-exposed, and 377 nonexposed respondents. Participants completed several questionnaires tapping depression and suicidality as well as perceived belongingness levels. <br><br>RESULTS: Individuals bereaved by suicide reported the highest levels of depression, suicide ideation, and suicide attempts in comparison with suicide-exposed and nonexposed individuals. However, belongingness was found to moderate these distinctions concerning suicide ideation and suicide attempts. Limitations: Belongingness was assessed by only a single question, and the online survey suffered from a relatively high nonresponse rate. <br><br>CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that belongingness may act as a potent antidote to the adverse mental health consequences among individuals bereaved by suicide. Clinicians should accord adequate attention to fostering social connectedness among their clients bereaved by suicide.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0227-5910",
doi="10.1027/0227-5910/a000784",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1027/0227-5910/a000784"
}