Childhood stress leads to later suicidality via its effect on cognitive functioning.
The present study examined the etiology of suicidal behavior from cognitive and developmental perspectives in a sample of 181 suicidal and nonsuicidal college students. We hypothesized that cognitive functioning would serve as a mediator between early life events and suicidal behavior. The present study examined child maltreatment, family instability, and poor general family environment as early negative life events, and examined self-esteem, locus of control, hopelessness, and problem-solving deficits as cognitive factors. In addition, individuals' perceived social support before age 18 and current social support and life stress were also examined in relation to the preceding variables. A series of structural equation analyses indicated that early negative life events have a mild impact on suicidal behavior, but a stronger impact on cognitive deficits, which in turn have a strong impact on suicidal behavior.
Yang
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B
Department of Psychology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg 24061, USA.
Clum
G A
GA
D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D002649:Child Abuse / Q000523:psychology; D002657:Child Development; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology*; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009042:Motivation; D011340:Problem Solving; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012649:Self Concept; D012931:Social Environment; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology*; D000092864:Suicide Prevention