(PS2-C57) Exploring the Distinct Roles of Perceived Social Support and Connectedness in Reducing Burdensomeness

Perceived social support and connectedness are two key factors that influence an individual's well-being and mental health. Previous research has demonstrated that both perceived social support and connectedness can serve as protective factors against feelings of burdensomeness, which is a significant risk factor for suicidal behavior. However, there is limited research available on the relationship between these two constructs and their unique contributions to feelings of burdensomeness. Specifically, given that these two constructs are overlapping conceptually, it is unclear whether – or to what extent – social support and connectedness make an independent contribution to burdensomeness. This is important because it will inform future research about whether one or both constructs are needed when studying interpersonal risk factors for suicide.

Thus, this study aims to examine the difference between perceived social support and connectedness in individuals experiencing burdensomeness. We hypothesized that while both constructs will be negatively associated with burdensomeness, perceived social support and connectedness will have distinct effects on individuals' experiences of burdensomeness.

Participants in the study were 394 college students who completed daily diaries as part of a larger EMA study. We assessed daily levels of social support from a variety of sources (friends, family, parents) and created a social support composite variable. We also assessed daily levels of burdensomeness and connectedness to others. We examined the interaction between social support and connectedness. We found that both higher social support (b=-0.02, p = .024) and higher connectedness (b=-0.10, p< .001) were independently associated with lower levels of burdensome. However, social support and connectedness did not interact. This suggests that social support and connectedness may have independent pathways in reducing suicide risk via risk factors like burdensomeness.