Resilience buffers the association between psychotic-like experiences and suicide risk: Results from the prospective study in a non-clinical sample

Abstract

Abstract Background: Several studies have reported that psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) are associated with low levels of resilience and increased suicide risk. However, it remains unknown as to whether resilience mediates or moderates the association between PLEs and suicide risk. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to explore the moderating and mediating effect of resilience in the association between PLEs and suicide risk. Methods: A total of 1100 non-clinical, young adults (aged 18 – 35 years) with a negative history of psychiatric treatment were enrolled (T1). They were followed-up for about 7 months (T2). Variables of interest were recorded using self-reports. Results: The moderation analysis revealed that higher levels of PLEs and related distress (T1) were associated with significantly higher suicide risk (T2) after adjustment for sociodemographic characteristics, depressive and anxiety symptoms, a history of childhood trauma, and problematic cannabis use (T1). The interaction between resilience (T2) and distress related to PLEs (T1) was significantly and negatively associated with suicide risk (T2). Specifically, the correlation between the level of distress related to PLEs (T1) and suicide risk (T2) was significant and positive only in participants with lower levels of resilience (T2). This interaction did not reach statistical significance for the level of PLEs (T1). No significant mediating effect of resilience level (T2) in the association between PLEs (T1) and suicide risk (T2) was found. Conclusions: Findings from the present study indicate that resilience might protect against suicide risk in people with PLEs. Future studies need to explore the effects of interventions targeting resilience for individuals with PLEs.