Significance of Sociocultural Factors in Suicide Behavior: Testing a Socioculturally Inclusive Interpersonal Psychological Theory of Suicide Behavior Among Junior High School Students in Ghana

Background: While Joiner's Interpersonal Psychological Theory of Suicidal Behavior (IPTSB) has been shown relevant to understanding suicide behaviors among Ghanaian adolescents, the integration of sociocultural factors into the theory is important due to Ghana's diverse cultural setting. Aim: This study tests the inclusion of sociocultural variables (traditional beliefs, suicide stigma, and religiosity) in the IPTSB to explain suicidal behaviors among junior high school students in Ghana. Materials and Methods: A sample of 800 students (mean age 15.5 years) completed self-reported measures of suicide behavior (ideation, plan attempt), the Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire, and sociocultural measures. Model fit indices for the original and socioculturally inclusive IPTSB, as well as associations between predictors (suicide stigma, religiosity, traditional beliefs) and suicide behavior, were assessed for significance. Results: The socioculturally inclusive IPTSB model demonstrated an excellent fit for explaining 12-month suicide behavior (RMSEA = 0.03, CFI = 0.99, TLI = 0.96, SRMR = 0.11) and lifetime suicide behavior (RMSEA = 0.02, CFI = 0.99, TLI = 0.98, SRMR = 0.09). The chi-square difference test (χ² = 130.97, [df = 7], p < 0.001) indicated the socioculturally inclusive model significantly improved explanatory power. Discussion and Conclusion: Findings affirm the IPTSB's core components while demonstrating that sociocultural factors, particularly stigma, significantly influence suicidal behaviors among Ghanaian adolescents.