Childhood physical and sexual abuse and lifetime number of suicide attempts: A persistent and theoretically important relationship

Thomas E. Joiner, Natalie J. Sachs-Ericsson, La Ricka R. Wingate, Jessica S. Brown, Michael D. Anestis, Edward A. Selby

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

259 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Research to date has indicated that childhood abuse is associated with suicide, though little research has examined the unique contribution of specific types of abuse to suicidal behavior. We predict that childhood physical and violent sexual abuse will have a greater effect on suicide attempts than molestation and verbal abuse. Methods: The National Comorbidity Survey data were used to test these predictions while controlling for a number of psychiatric and psychosocial variables. Results: As expected, childhood physical and violent sexual abuse showed similar effects on lifetime suicide attempts, which were stronger than the effects of molestation and verbal abuse. Limitations: This was a cross-sectional, retrospective study, so true causality cannot be shown. Some measurement limitations exist. Additionally, effect sizes were small but still significant. Conclusions: While all forms of childhood abuse are troubling and create risk for future psychopathology and suicidality, the present study indicates that childhood physical and violent sexual abuse should be seen as greater risk factors for future suicide attempts than molestation and verbal abuse.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)539-547
Number of pages9
JournalBehaviour Research and Therapy
Volume45
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2007
Externally publishedYes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

Keywords

  • Family history
  • Physical abuse
  • Sexual abuse
  • Suicide

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