Positive Self-Appraisals as a Resilience Factor and Motivational Moderator in the Integrated Motivational-Volitional Model of Suicidal Behaviour

Introduction: The Integrative Motivational-Volitional (IMV) Model of Suicidal Behaviour suggests Defeat and Entrapment as key factors in the development of suicidal ideation. However, considerations of additional risk factors show inconsistent effects. These inconsistencies could be explained by protective factors affecting both defeat and entrapment as well as suicidality. This study aims to investigate the buffering effect of the resilience factor positive self-appraisals in the proposed pathways of the IMV model in individuals with recent suicidal ideation. Materials and Method: N = 338 German healthcare workers with recent suicidal ideation, 19 to 81 years old (M = 29.48, SD = 8.33; 97.6% female), were surveyed about Defeat, En-trapment, suicidal ideation, and the resilience factor positive self-appraisals by self-report. Two linear moderated regression models and two moderated mediation models were performed, which include the whole motivational phase of the model. Results: The moderated regression models yield significant interaction effects for positive self-appraisals, especially in the late motivational phase. However, moderated mediation models show only a direct effect of Defeat on suicidal ideation. Discussion: Positive self-appraisals affect suicidality, but the results illustrate potential difficulties within the motivational phase of the IMV model. Conclusion: Based on the IMV model, this study provides important insights into the influence of resilience factors on suicidal ideation. (c) 2023 S. Karger AG, Basel