Expanding theoretical perspectives on the associations between relationship satisfaction and suicidal ideation

Abstract Objective We aimed to investigate the theoretical extensions and potential integration of the marital discord model of depression (MDMD) and interpersonal theory of suicide (ITS). Background Although there is empirical and theoretical support that enhanced relationship satisfaction buffers depressive symptoms (i.e., MDMD), it remains unknown whether this association also applies to suicidal ideation. Prominent theories for depression (i.e., MDMD) and suicide (i.e., ITS) have yet to examine the distinction between suicidal ideation and depressive symptoms as they relate to relationship satisfaction. Method Using a sample of 200 adults in romantic relationships, we conducted multiple group moderated path analyses. We tested whether theoretical concepts from both theories predicted depressive symptoms and differed by group (depressed only and suicidal ideation). Data were online and cross‐sectional. Results Results revealed that enhanced relationship satisfaction was surprisingly associated with higher depressive symptoms for the group with suicidal ideation—extending MDMD to suicidal ideation. Furthermore, theoretical concepts from ITS were associated with depressive symptoms in the depressed only group—extending ITS to depressive symptoms. Conclusion General findings support theoretical extensions for each theory but did not support theoretical integration. We encourage future research to replicate these findings and further explore romantic relationships and suicidal ideation.