An Examination of the Relationship Between Primal World Beliefs and Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Three Samples of U.S. Adults

OBJECTIVES: Primal world beliefs (primals) are fundamental assumptions about the world that may serve as suicide risk factors. This study examined relationships between primals and suicidal thoughts and behaviors in three samples of adults with recent suicidal ideation (SI). METHOD: Study 1 analyzed cross-sectional data (N = 304 undergraduates; N = 390 Prolific participants) involving measures of primals, SI, wish to live (WTL), wish to die (WTD), and coping self-efficacy. Study 2 included Prolific participants (N = 174) who completed measures of primals and SI at baseline and 1-month follow-up. Cross-lagged panel analyses examined temporal relationships between primals and SI. RESULTS: Positive primals were associated with lower SI, greater WTL, lower WTD, and higher suicidal coping self-efficacy. Believing the world is meaningful, needs me, and good at baseline predicted lower SI at 1-month follow up, whereas SI at baseline did not predict primals at follow up. Primals were inconsistently related to past suicide attempts. CONCLUSION: Findings support a relationship between primals and SI both cross-sectionally and over time. Positive primals may play a protective role against SI over time and may serve as a promising treatment target for adapting existing interventions.