A Mixed-Methods Examination of Perceived Burdensomeness in Emerging Adults

This mixed methods study aims to identify contexts within which young adults report perceptions of being a burden. Participants (N = 243) completed self-report measures of study variables and provided examples of times they felt like a burden. Seven major categories were developed from the qualitative analysis. Quantitative analyses indicated no significant differences across coding themes with respect to perceived burdensomeness. A significant association regarding intensity ratings of perceived burdensomeness was found when comparing categories of perception of failure and drain on resources. These results provide unique insight regarding the nature of how individuals describe the contexts within which they perceive themselves to be a burden. Since maladaptive cognitions of perceived burdensomeness may be related to suicide risk, identifying these contexts could inform avenues for adapting clinical interventions designed to target perceived burdensomeness.