Alana Brixner-Nunes
Current Organizations / Institutes
The organizations/institutes from the scholar's latest article
Research Subjects
Research Interests
Alana Brixner-Nunes has a total of 5 co-authors. Here are the top co-authors by number of shared publications:
- Ana Ortin-Peralta
Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University
1 shared publication Lauren Gulbas
University of Texas at Austin
1 shared publicationLucy Liotta
City University of New York
1 shared publication- Regina Miranda
City University of New York
1 shared publication - Sarah R. Sullivan
Department of Psychology, Hunter College and the Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, USA
1 shared publication
Latest Publications
- 18 March 2026
- Published by SAGE Publications in Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry
Examining Components of the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide Among Children With Suicide Ideation or Attempts
Introduction: Limited research has examined the circumstances surrounding childhood suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The interpersonal psychological theory of suicide proposes that suicidal desire arises from perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness, and that suicide attempts result from an acquired capability for suicide. No published study, of which we are aware, has tested whether this theory applies to children’s suicidal thoughts or behaviors. The present study examined whether components of the interpersonal psychological theory of suicide would be present in the narratives of children who presented for clinical care with suicide ideation or attempts. Methods: Thirty-nine children, ages 7–12 years, recruited from two public hospitals and one outpatient clinic, completed semi-structured interviews assessing the circumstances surrounding their recent suicide ideation or attempts. Interviews were analyzed thematically using a hybrid inductive-deductive approach. Results: Findings indicated that thwarted belongingness stemmed from loneliness, perceived rejection, and a lack of reciprocal care. Themes reflecting perceived burdensomeness included internalized criticism, low self-esteem, and perceived liability. Children described experiences, such as physical punishment, that may contribute to acquired capability for suicide. Discussion: These findings support the relevance of the interpersonal psychological theory of suicide in childhood and underscore the critical role caregivers play in protecting children from suicide-related risk.
- 18 March 2026
- Published by SAGE Publications in Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry
Examining Components of the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide Among Children With Suicide Ideation or Attempts
Introduction: Limited research has examined the circumstances surrounding childhood suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The interpersonal psychological theory of suicide proposes that suicidal desire arises from perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness, and that suicide attempts result from an acquired capability for suicide. No published study, of which we are aware, has tested whether this theory applies to children’s suicidal thoughts or behaviors. The present study examined whether components of the interpersonal psychological theory of suicide would be present in the narratives of children who presented for clinical care with suicide ideation or attempts. Methods: Thirty-nine children, ages 7–12 years, recruited from two public hospitals and one outpatient clinic, completed semi-structured interviews assessing the circumstances surrounding their recent suicide ideation or attempts. Interviews were analyzed thematically using a hybrid inductive-deductive approach. Results: Findings indicated that thwarted belongingness stemmed from loneliness, perceived rejection, and a lack of reciprocal care. Themes reflecting perceived burdensomeness included internalized criticism, low self-esteem, and perceived liability. Children described experiences, such as physical punishment, that may contribute to acquired capability for suicide. Discussion: These findings support the relevance of the interpersonal psychological theory of suicide in childhood and underscore the critical role caregivers play in protecting children from suicide-related risk.