In America, thousands of people take their lives each year. A common catalyst of suicide is problems stemming from romantic relationships. Commitment can fuel a relationship, but it can also pose a threat if feelings still linger once the relationship has ended. The role of commitment can also lead to depression after a breakup, due to losing a partner that served as an attachment figure. With this in mind, this study measured depressive symptoms following a breakup to explore any correlation between commitment level and suicide risk. The prediction was that higher commitment level would correlate with higher suicide risk.
There were approximately 200 adults in this study who experienced a breakup at least 3 months prior to the study. Several standardized scales were used to measure levels of suicide risk, depression, and commitment. In this study, depression was associated with suicide risk. The results indicated that the initial hypothesis was correct. It was found that commitment levels correlated directly with depression, thereby indirectly with suicide.
Therefore, those who experienced a breakup from a committed relationship were more at risk for depression, hence suicide. This research makes it clear that there should be further studies examining how intimate relationships provide emotional support, and how to deal with emotional well-being following a breakup.
Source:
Love, H. A., Nalbone, D. P., Hecker, L. L., Sweeney, K. A., & Dharnidharka, P. (2018). Suicidal risk following the termination of romantic relationships. Crisis: The Journal of Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention, 39(3), 166-174. doi:10.1027/0227-5910/a000484
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