The larger purpose of this study was to contribute to the body of research regarding suicide in the Amish and to examine the cultural validity of Joiner's Interpersonal Theory of Suicide. This was done by examining the validity of instruments designed to measure Joiner's main constructs of suicide desire (thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness) and acquired capability with the Amish. Based on the underlying assumptions of the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide, there were four primary hypotheses. First, it was hypothesized that collectivism scores would be negatively related to depression and suicidal desire. Second, depression and suicidal desire, together and individually would account for a significant amount of the variance in suicidal behavior. Third, the relationship between depression and suicidal behaviors would be moderated by sex. Finally, acquired capability would partially mediate the relationship between suicidal desire and suicidal behavior.
A total of 129 Amish adults were solicited through a network sampling procedure and completed the research survey. The data were subjected to exploratory factor analysis and hierarchical multiple regression. The results of the study indicate that the rates of depression and suicide risk in the Amish are similar to the rates in the general population, though there may be qualitative differences in the Amish individuals' experiences of depression and suicidal ideation and/or their willingness to report symptoms. Consistent with the primary hypotheses, collectivism was negatively related to depression and suicide risk. Furthermore, suicidal desire was able to account for a significant amount of the variance in suicide risk, above and beyond depression and hopelessness. In addition, the relationship between depression and suicide risk was moderated by sex. Inconsistent with hypotheses, acquired capability was not found to mediate the relationship between suicidal desire and suicide risk. It was concluded that the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide may offer one way to conceptualize suicide risk in the Amish, though only parts of it appear culturally appropriate.