A new study examines the psychological factors that motivate suicide on incel forums

In suicidal expressions, Incel forum users frequently cited six psychological stressors, including social isolation, appearance issues, and mental health issues, as causes of suicide. This study was published in Current psychology.

(If you are having suicidal thoughts, call or text the Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 988 or click this link to their online chat.)

Incels, short for “involuntary celibate,” form an online subculture of men who struggle with a lack of romantic and sexual experiences, often expressing misogynistic and fatalistic beliefs rooted in “The black pill“ideology. This view, which describes the social world as organized to favor attractive individuals, reinforces the feeling hopelessness among incels, who often perceive their situation as unchangeable.

Previous studies have documented a high incidence suicide on these forums where topics like “fuel for suicide” come up when an incel is feeling suicidal and receiving support from other members of the community. Stefan Stijelja and Brian L. Mishara examined the suicidal facial expressions of incel users when posting outside of typical forums, specifically on the r/SuicideWatch subreddit.

The research team identified 116,266 users of incel forums on Reddit by filtering posts from those who also contributed to r/SuicideWatch, a subreddit for people struggling with suicidal thoughts. The analysis focused on 13,187 posts from 5,275 unique users.

Using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis approach, researchers systematically coded and reviewed posts to identify recurring themes related to suicidal ideation. The study used an inductive approach, which allowed themes to emerge from the data without relying on predetermined categories.

The study identified six overarching themes causing suicidal thoughts among incel users. Social isolation and loneliness were a prominent theme, with many users expressing a deep sense of loneliness. The posts described a prolonged lack of close relationships and an overwhelming sense of disconnection from others, which users often associated with an inability to socialize effectively. For some, loneliness was linked to personal characteristics such as shyness, which they perceived as a constant barrier to bonding.

The second, closely related theme, Appearance Concerns, reflects the negative body image that many users have. Numerous posts highlighted specific perceived physical flaws – such as height, weight, and facial features – that they felt made them unattractive to others, fueling their feelings of social rejection.

The third theme, Mental Health Issues, highlighted users’ struggles with depression and anxiety, often discussed as long-term issues. Some users described having both disorders simultaneously, with social anxiety often highlighted as an obstacle to interpersonal relationships.

Another key theme, Frustration with Involuntary Celibacy, captured users’ anxiety about their perceived inability to form romantic relationships. This frustration, often compounded by observing others in romantic situations, contributed to feelings of inadequacy.

Family issues also emerged as a recurring theme, with users describing strained relationships, experiences of neglect and even violence. Finally, users also expressed feelings of worthlessness, often using highly self-critical language. This self-loathing was closely related to other themes, as users viewed their struggles with relationships, appearance, and social skills as evidence of their perceived inadequacy.

It is worth noting that the study focused on incels who actively posted on r/SuicideWatch, which means it may not capture the experiences of incels who avoid disclosing suicidal thoughts online, potentially limiting the generalizability of the findings.

Overall, these findings highlight the profound psychological suffering of the incel community, pointing to the need for targeted mental health interventions and support mechanisms.

Test “Typical motives for suicidal expressions of incel forum users: a qualitative analysis” by Stefan Stijelja and Brian L. Mishara.