Dying to Belong? The Impact of Thwarted Belongingness Among Those Who Attempt Suicide in Jail

Suicide and attempted suicide remain a major concern in correctional facilities. Jail personnel have developed unique ways of responding to incarcerated individuals who display signs of suicidal ideation, but may be less equipped to identify who may be suicidal upon arrival at the facility. Among potential markers for suicidal behaviors are incarcerated individuals struggling with feelings of thwarted belongingness, or a feeling of disconnection and lack of closeness. Applying a quantitative methodology, this study utilized data obtained from a mid-sized jail in the Mountain West subregion of the Western United States. The data, retrieved from correctional officer reports and intake records, covers 392 incidents of suicide attempts reported between the years 2011-2024. Thirty-four percent of the total sample experienced thwarted belongingness. Both suicidal men and women who experienced thwarted belongingness were more likely to make their suicide attempt within the first 48 hours of custody, and have one or more cellmates. Additional predictors of thwarted belongingness for suicidal women include being unmarried, convicted, and attempting their suicide in a manner other than strangulation/asphyxiation. This study highlights the importance of screening for signs of thwarted belongingness upon intake, as well as encourages correctional entities to consider conditions in their facilities to ensure those incarcerated are less susceptible to acts of self-harm.