The effect of childhood adversities on the persistence of suicidal ideation and plans among college students: A longitudinal study

Abstract

BackgroundExposure to childhood adversities (CAs) is known to be associated with the onset of suicidal ideation and plans. However, little is known regarding the contribution of CAs to their persistence. AimsThe study aims to examine the type, number and frequency of CA exposure on the persistence of suicidal ideation and plans at one-year. MethodData were drawn from the French portion of the World Mental Health International College Student survey. At baseline (n = 2661, response rate = 7,58 %), exposure to 12 types of CAs prior to age 18, lifetime mental disorders, lifetime and 12-month suicidal ideation and plans were assessed. At one-year follow-up (n = 1221), 12-month mental disorders, suicidal ideation and plans were assessed. Among those with a prior history of suicidal ideation, logistic regressions were performed to examine the role of CAs on the persistence of ideation and plans at one-year. ResultsAt baseline, frequency and number of CAs were associated with 12-month suicidal ideation and plans. Among lifetime ideators, 49.6 % reported 12-month suicidal ideation at follow-up. Physical abuse was associated with an increased risk of suicidal ideation and plan persistence at one year in univariate analyses. However, CAs were not associated with the persistence of suicidal ideation and plans at one-year in multivariate analyses. LimitationsRetrospective report of CA exposure, and low baseline response rate. ConclusionsUsing a fine-grained operationalization of CA exposure, CAs were not involved in the persistence of suicidal ideation or plans, their deleterious effect more likely to occur early in the course of psychopathology.