Distal and proximal risk factors of suicidality: Using network analysis to test the narrative Crisis Model of suicide

Background: Several suicide models exist in the psychology literature, the most recent being the Narrative Crisis Model. This model includes distal and proximal risk factors for suicide and presents potential contributions to the etiology of suicide. However, this model has never been tested in Saudi Arabia nor using network analysis. Aim: To investigate the Narrative Crisis Model of suicide using network analysis among Saudis. Materials and Methods: A sample of 625 respondents participated in this study (mean age = 28, SD = 15.34, median age = 27, 38 % female). This sample included high school students, college students, and workers. They completed a questionnaire that included trait vulnerabilities, suicide narrative variables, suicidal crisis syndrome, and suicide thoughts and attempts. Data analysis was performed via network analysis using Gaussian graphical models. Results: Suicidal crisis syndrome, perceived burdensomeness, defeat, and goal disengagement had the highest bridging strength centrality in the psychological network. These bridging symptoms exhibited significant associations with suicidal thoughts (edge weights = 0.25 for suicidal crisis syndrome, 0.20 for perceived burdensomeness, 0.205 for defeat, and 0.14 for goal disengagement). Conclusion: This study among Saudi adults aligns with the Narrative Crisis Model of suicide. These findings emphasize the importance of bridging symptoms in targeting suicide prevention.