Adolescent and Adult Suicidality as Consequences of Maltreatment Experience and Low Socio-economic Status in Childhood

Abstract

This doctoral dissertation aims to explore the intricate relationships between childhood maltreatment, low childhood socio-economic status (SES), and suicidal outcomes. The study draws on data from the Lehigh Longitudinal Study and utilizes logistic regression and path analysis models to examine the associations among these variables. The research findings provide compelling evidence that individuals who have experienced childhood maltreatment and come from a low childhood SES background face a heightened risk of both suicidal ideation and suicide attempts compared to those without such experiences. Notably, the majority of these associations are found to be mediated by feelings of hopelessness, emphasizing the crucial role of this psychological factor in understanding suicidality. Specific types of childhood adversity, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, and low childhood SES, exhibit strong and direct links to either suicidal ideation or suicide attempts, even after accounting for various confounding factors. This suggests that these particular forms of adversity carry distinct risks for suicidal outcomes and should be prioritized in prevention and intervention efforts. The findings indicate that both adolescence and adulthood show significant associations between childhood adversity and suicidality. However, adolescence emerges as a particularly vulnerable period, strongly influenced by childhood adversities, with a heightened risk of developing suicidal tendencies. The identified significant relationships between specific forms of childhood adversity, hopelessness, and suicidality underscore the importance of addressing these factors in child maltreatment prevention and suicide prevention efforts. Interventions should focus on providing support and resources to individuals who have experienced maltreatment and low SES, aiming to mitigate the negative effects and promote resilience.