Suicidal Histories in Adults Experiencing Psychological Trauma: Exploring Vulnerability and Protective Factors

Abstract

Objective

This study aimed to identify vulnerability and protective factors for suicidal histories among adults experiencing psychological trauma.

Method

Adults seeking treatment for psychological trauma (N = 113) completed self-report questionnaires measuring childhood trauma history, self-concept, relational functioning, emotion regulation, living arrangements, employment status, marital status, and suicidal history. Independent samples t-tests were used to determine variables on which those with and without suicidal histories differed significantly. These variables were then entered into a binary logistic regression model to identify factors which independently distinguished between those with and without a suicidal history.

Results

Univariate differences were found for childhood emotional abuse (CEA), childhood emotional neglect (CEN), emotion deactivation, and employment status, with those in the suicidal history group scoring higher on all of these. CEA (OR = 1.13, 95% CI = 1.01–1.27) and employment status (OR = 4.12, 95% CI = 1.23–13.73) remained significant predictors of suicidal status in the multivariable logistic regression.

Conclusions

CEA was an independent vulnerability factor for suicidal risk, highlighting the need for clinicians to assess exposure to such trauma in those presenting with proximal traumatic experiences. Being in employment was an independent protective factor against suicidal risk, highlighting the importance of social buffers or networks when faced with traumatic situations.

Keywords:

• Childhood trauma
• emotional abuse
• unemployment
• suicidal

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Graeme Grandison

Graeme Grandison, and Thanos Karatzias, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; NHS Lothian, Rivers Centre for Traumatic Stress, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.

Thanos Karatzias

Graeme Grandison, and Thanos Karatzias, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; NHS Lothian, Rivers Centre for Traumatic Stress, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.

Claire Fyvie

Claire Fyvie, NHS Lothian, Rivers Centre for Traumatic Stress, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.

Philip Hyland

Philip Hyland, Department of Psychology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Ireland.

Rory C. O’Connor

Rory C. O’Connor, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom.

Adele Dickson

Adele Dickson, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, United Kingdom