Suicide notes: Clinical and linguistic analysis from the perspective of the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide

Background and Objectives: Studying suicide notes is a strong methodology in suicidology and one of the most relevant theoretical frameworks is the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide proposed by Joiner. This study analyzed 80 suicide notes collected in Chile searching for the risk factors proposed by the theory and its implications. The clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of the notes' authors were analyzed too. Methods: The suicide notes were classified according to the presence or absence of the suicide risk factors proposed by the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide and were analyzed linguistically with the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count program. Results: One or both interpersonal risk factors indicated by the theory were identified in 60% of the notes. The "lack of belonging" factor was the most common risk factor, and various linguistic profiles in the suicide notes were found according to the presence or absence of this factor. Conclusions: We confirmed the relevance of the interpersonal risk factors proposed as issues present in a high percentage of notes and found linguistic differences according to its presence or absence in the suicide notes.