Childhood Relationships Research Articles

The Impact of Sleep on Sensory Processing in Typically Developing Children: Insights from Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Data

Background/Objectives: Previous research suggests that sleep quality and duration may significantly impact sensory experiences, yet the specific relationships in healthy early childhood remain unclear. This study explores the relationship between sleep parameters and sensory processing outcomes in typically developing children followed longitudinally from 3 to 12 months to 4 years of age. Methods: We assessed sleep problems, sleep duration, sleep onset latency, parasomnias, and sensory processing in a sample of typically developing children (N = 85). Sleep parameters were reported by parents, and sensory processing was evaluated using the Sensory Processing Measure—Parent version (SPM-P). Cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses examined predictors of sensory outcomes based on sleep patterns at 3–12 months, 18 months, 2 years, and 4 years of age. Results: Our findings indicate that greater sleep problems correlate with heightened sensory sensitivity across modalities, including touch and vision, as well as higher-order cognitive functions such as planning and social interactions. Specifically, sleep problems at 18 months were significant predictors of sensory processing at 4 years, while sleep duration at 2 years predicted planning skills. Additionally, longer sleep duration during infancy (3–12 months) positively influenced social participation at 4 years. Conclusions: This study underscores the critical role of sleep in shaping sensory processing outcomes in early childhood. Promoting healthy sleep habits may mitigate sensory processing difficulties, ultimately supporting emotional and social development.

Psychosocial Well-Being in Families of Autistic Children and Effect of Service Dogs: An Exploratory Study

Service dogs (SDs) have been shown to provide multi-faceted benefits for autistic children, with some benefits also extending to family members. The main objectives of this study were to explore the relationships between psychosocial well-being, family functioning, parent anxiety, and parent–child relationships in families of autistic children, and to investigate the effects of integration of an SD. A cross-sectional approach was used to collect data from three groups of parents of autistic children: (1) families approved for an SD but waitlisted, (2) families in the training process but not yet paired with an SD, and (3) families with a child matched with an SD. Parents completed an online questionnaire including validated tools. Children’s autism-related symptoms correlated with different aspects of family experience and quality of life, and parents’ anxiety scores were related to children’s social anxiety and difficulties associated with parenting an autistic child. Family functioning was associated with children’s autistic characteristics, parents’ anxiety, and the quality of the parent–child relationship. In families of children paired with an SD, children’s autistic symptoms were related to parental attachment with the SD. These findings underscore the need for further research on the assessment and implications of autism-related symptoms for children acquiring an SD.

Effects of Negative Parent-Child Relationships in Childhood on Depression and Non-Suicidal Self-Injurious Behaviors in College Students: Mediating Effects of Dysfunctional Parent Modes

Effects of Negative Parent-Child Relationships in Childhood on Depression and Non-Suicidal Self-Injurious Behaviors in College Students: Mediating Effects of Dysfunctional Parent Modes

Exploring associations between ADHD symptoms and emotional problems from childhood to adulthood: shared aetiology or possible causal relationship?

Abstract Background ADHD symptoms are associated with emotional problems such as depressive and anxiety symptoms from early childhood to adulthood, with the association increasing with age. A shared aetiology and/or a causal relationship could explain their correlation. In the current study, we explore these explanations for the association between ADHD symptoms and emotional problems from childhood to adulthood. Methods Data were drawn from the Twins Early Development Study (TEDS), including 3675 identical and 7063 non-identical twin pairs. ADHD symptoms and emotional symptoms were reported by parents from childhood to adulthood. Self-report scales were included from early adolescence. Five direction of causation (DoC) twin models were fitted to distinguish whether associations were better explained by shared aetiology and/or causal relationships in early childhood, mid-childhood, early adolescence, late adolescence, and early adulthood. Follow-up analyses explored associations for the two subdomains of ADHD symptoms, hyperactivity-impulsivity and inattention, separately. Results The association between ADHD symptoms and emotional problems increased in magnitude from early childhood to adulthood. In the best-fitting models, positive genetic overlap played an important role in this association at all stages. A negative causal effect running from ADHD symptoms to emotional problems was also detected in early childhood and mid-childhood. When distinguishing ADHD subdomains, the apparent protective effect of ADHD symptoms on emotional problems in childhood was mostly driven by hyperactivity-impulsivity. Conclusions Genetic overlap plays an important role in the association between ADHD symptoms and emotional problems. Hyperactivity-impulsivity may protect children from emotional problems in childhood, but this protective effect diminishes after adolescence.

Mediating effects of child schema mode in the relationship between negative parent-child relationships in childhood and non-suicidal self-injurious behavior in college students

This study was aimed to investigate the psychological mechanisms underlying non-suicidal self-injurious behavior. For this purpose, we hypothesized that dysfunctional child modes act as a psychological mechanism to influence the relationship between negative parent-child relationships in childhood and current cognitions (catastrophizing), emotions (emotional dysregulation and depression), and behaviors (non-suicidal self-injurious behaviors). A sample of 430 college students (male 97, female 333) with experience of non-suicidal self-injurious behavior was selected to test the multi-mediation effects of child schema mode (angry, impulsive), catastrophizing, emotional dysregulation, and depression on the relationship between negative parent-child relationships in childhood and non-suicidal self-injury. As a result of structural equation modeling analysis, it was found that negative parent-child relationships in childhood directly influenced child schema mode, catastrophizing, depression, and non-suicidal self-injurious behaviors. In addition, it was found that negative parent-child relationships in childhood were dually mediated by child schema mode and depression and child schema mode and emotional dysregulation. The present study highlights the mediating role of child schema modes as a psychological mechanism underlying the relationship between negative parent-child relationships in childhood and non-suicidal self-injurious behavior. Based on these findings, the usefulness and direction of schema therapy interventions in the field of non-suicidal self-injury counseling are discussed.

Association between factors in life course and physiological dysregulation among the middle-aged and older population in Zhoushan city of Zhejiang province.

To analyze the associations between factors in life course and physiological dysregulation in the middle-aged and elderly population in Zhoushan city of Zhejiang province, and the mediating roles of lifestyle and mental health. A total of 1553 island residents aged ≥45 years were enrolled from the Zhejiang Metabolic Syndrome Cohort Zhoushan Liuheng Sub-cohort. The demographic information, life course information, lifestyle, and mental health information of participants were documented, and blood samples were collected. The status of aging was evaluated by physiological dysregulation calculation model developed by authors previously. The Shapley value decomposition method was used to assess the cumulative and relative contribution of multiple factors in life course to the aging. Principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis were used to classify subgroups. General linear regression model was used to assess the associations between the life course subgroups and physiological dysregulation, and the key factors associated with aging were finally identified. Logistic regression model, general linear regression model, and mediation analysis model were used to assess the complex associations between life course subgroups, key factors, unhealthy lifestyle, mental health, and aging. Shapley value decomposition method indicated that eight types of life course factors explained 6.63%(SE=0.0008) of the individual physiological dysregulation variance, with the greatest relative contribution (2.78%) from adversity experiences in adulthood. The study participants were clustered into 4 subgroups, and subgroups experiencing more adversity in adulthood and having low educational attainment or experiencing more trauma and having poorer relationships in childhood had significantly higher levels of physiological dysregulation. Life course subgroups and key factors childhood trauma and health, adversity experience in adulthood, and lower education were positively associated with unhealthy lifestyles (β=0.12-0.41, all P<0.05). In addition, life course subgroups and key factor adversity experience in adulthood were positively associated with psychological problems (OR=2.14-4.68, all P<0.05). Unhealthy lifestyle scores showed a marginal significant association with physiological dysregulation (β=0.03, P=0.055). However, no significant association was found between psychological problems and physiological dysregulation (β=0.03, P=0.748). The results of the mediation analysis model suggested that unhealthy lifestyles partially mediated the associations between life course subgroups, adversity experience in adulthood and physiological dysregulation, with the proportions mediated ranged from 3.9%-6.8%. Multiple life course factors contribute about 6.63% of the variance in physiological dysregulation in the middle aged and elderly population of the study area; subgroups with adverse life course experiences have higher levels of aging; and the association may be partially mediated by unhealthy lifestyles.

The Effect of Rainfall and Temperature Patterns on Childhood Linear Growth in the Tropics: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Despite existing research on child undernutrition in the tropics, a comprehensive understanding of how weather patterns impact childhood growth remains limited. This study summarizes and estimates the effect of rainfall and temperature patterns on childhood linear growth among under-fives in the tropics. A total of 41 out of 829 studies were considered based on preset inclusion criteria. Standardized regression coefficients (β) were used to estimate effect sizes, which were subsequently pooled, and forest plots were generated to visually represent the effect size estimates along with their 95% confidence intervals. Of the total reports, 28 and 13 research articles were included in the narrative synthesis and meta-analysis, respectively. The studies establish that patterns in rainfall and temperature either increase or decrease childhood linear growth and the risk of stunting. An increase in every one standard deviation of rainfall results in a 0.049 standard deviation increase in linear growth (β = 0.049, 95% CI: 0.024 to 0.073). This positive association is likely mediated by various factors. In countries where agriculture is heavily dependent on rainfall, increased precipitation can lead to higher crop yields which could in turn result in improved food security. The improved food security positively impacts childhood nutrition and growth. However, the extent to which these benefits are realized can vary depending on moderating factors such as location and socio-economic status. Temperature pattern showed a negative correlation with linear growth, where each standard deviation increase resulted in a decrease in linear growth by 0.039 standard deviations, with specific impacts varying by regional climates (β = -0.039, 95% CI: -0.065 to -0.013). Additionally, our meta-analysis shows a small but positive relationship of childhood stunting with temperature pattern in western Africa (β = 0.064, 95% CI: 0.035, 0.093). This association is likely due to temperature patterns' indirect effects on food security and increased disease burden. Thus, the intricate interaction between weather patterns and childhood linear growth requires further research to distinguish the relationship considering other factors in the global tropics. While our findings provide valuable insights, they are primarily based on observational studies from sub-Saharan Africa and may not be generalizable to other tropical regions.

Sibling relationships: Considerations for family therapy

Siblings are frequently overlooked as an essential focus in family‐based interventions with children. And yet, 80–85% of children worldwide have at least one sibling (Campion Barr &amp; Killeron, 2015). Some have suggested that sibling relationships are a prototype for peer relationships in childhood and adulthood. This makes intuitive sense when one considers the arena within which siblings grow and mature together, with the dynamics involving strong attachments, cooperation, and rivalry and conflict. For instance, a positive sibling relationship can provide emotional support and a sense of security, while a negative relationship can lead to increased stress and anxiety.

Integration of Culture and Language in Learning to Develop Aspects of Early Childhood Social Emotional Interaction.

The social and emotional growth of young children is significant for fostering empathy, communication, and social interaction. However, education in schools often ignores the linguistic and cultural components around children, thereby hampering the development of some parts of their social-emotional relationships. The ngumbai lawok tradition is one of the cultures of Lampung's coastal communities in appreciating marine products which can be integrated with language to improve children's social and emotional development using image media. This research aims to find out how early childhood learning that combines Ngumbai Lawok language and culture using image media can influence the formation of social and emotional relationships in early childhood. This research methodology is an action research design that combines qualitative and quantitative techniques. The research subjects are children aged 3-6 years at the early childhood education institution in Batanghari sub-district, East Lampung. Data is collected through observations, instructor interviews, questionnaires, documentation to measure children's social and emotional growth, and records of social-emotional development activities. Data analysis includes quantitative and qualitative to compare changes in children's social and emotional development before and after intervention. Research shows that the Numbai Lawok language and culture combined with image media can improve children's ability to interact socially and emotionally. The use of image media helps children understand the cultural concepts of Numbai Lawok and stimulates their language development, and children show improvements in aspects of cooperation, empathy, and communication. This research concludes that the integration of local culture and language with visual media is effective in improving the social emotional skills of young children.

Longitudinal relations between child emotional difficulties and parent-child closeness: a stability and malleability analysis using the STARTS model

BackgroundPast empirical evidence on the longitudinal relations between emotional mental health symptoms and parent-child close relationships has produced mixed and inconclusive results. Some studies suggest a unidirectional relation, whereas other studies point toward a bidirectional association. Additionally, most of the past research has been carried out with adolescent samples, rather than children. Hence, this study aimed to estimate the longitudinal relations between children’s trait emotional difficulties and trait parent-child closeness, accounting for the time-invariant and time-varying state components of each factor.MethodsParticipants were 7,507 children (ages 3 years, 5 years, 7 years, and 9 years) from the Growing Up in Ireland cohort. Α bivariate stable trait, autoregressive trait, and state (STARTS) model was estimated using Bayesian structural equation modelling.ResultsThe STARTS model revealed that children’s emotional difficulties and parent-child closeness were relatively stable across time, and these overarching traits were strongly negatively correlated. Children’s earlier trait emotional difficulties predicted later trait parent-child closeness and vice versa between 3 years and 5 years, and between 5 years and 7 years, but these effects disappeared between 7 years and 9 years. At all pairs of time points, state emotional difficulties and state parent-child closeness were weakly negatively correlated.ConclusionsOverall, the results suggest that early and middle childhood are critical stages for improving parent-child relationships and reducing children’s emotional difficulties. Developing close parent-child relationships in childhood appears to be a key factor in reducing children’s subsequent emotional difficulties. Children who face greater than usual emotional difficulties tend to be more withdrawn and less receptive to close parent-child relationships and this could serve as an important screening indicator.

Physical and Emotional Sibling Violence Behaviors with Closest-Aged Siblings in Childhood: An Exploratory Study Examining Associations with Sibling Relationships in Adulthood.

Research examining the influence of physical and emotional sibling violence on siblings' relationships across the lifespan is scant. This exploratory research examined whether affect, behavior, and cognitions associated with closest-aged sibling relationships in childhood as well as the occurrence of behaviors associated with physical and emotional sibling violence in childhood impacted adult sibling relationships in a sample of 156 adults. Using the Lifespan Sibling Relationship Scale (Riggio J Soc Pers Relat 17(6):707-728, 2000), associations were found between all aspects of childhood and adulthood sibling relationships. Frequency of sibling violence behaviors correlated with Child Affect and Adult Behavior. Differences were found between females and males on Child Affect, Adult Behavior, and Frequency of Sibling Violence Behaviors. Regression models examined whether childhood sibling relationship quality (Child Affect, Child Behavior, Child Cognitions), frequency of sibling violence behaviors in childhood, and gender predicted Adult Affect, Adult Behavior, Adult Cognitions. Child Affect and Child Cognitions predicted Adult Affect, Child Behavior and gender predicted Adult Behavior, and only Child Cognitions predicted Adult Cognition. Frequency of physical and emotional sibling violence in childhood did not predict Adult Affect, Adult Behavior, or Adult Cognitions individually. However, frequency of physical and emotional sibling violence in childhood was associated with a total adult sibling relationship score when controlling for a total childhood sibling relationship score. Findings suggest the need for future research to consider the complexity of closest-aged sibling relationships across the lifespan and how physical and emotional sibling violence factors into how individuals perceive their relationships with siblings.

A longitudinal study of child adjustment during the COVID-19 pandemic: the protective role of the parent-child relationship in middle childhood

ABSTRACT This longitudinal study assessed how parent-child relationship quality during the first COVID-19 lockdown was related to changes in internalizing, externalizing, and sleep problems during the first months of the pandemic: during lockdown, partial deconfinement, and total deconfinement. Participants included 167 children (9–12 year) and their parents recruited in the province of Quebec, Canada. Child behavior problems decreased between lockdown and the two deconfinement assessments, but more sleep and behavior problems were associated with lower levels of relationship quality (more conflict, less closeness, and more insecure attachment). Significant interaction effects showed that changes in externalizing and sleep problems varied as a function of parent-child relationship. Results support the critical importance of the parent-child relationship with regard to child adjustment in middle childhood in times of crisis such as a pandemic. They also highlight resilience in children aged 9 to 12, with a decrease in problems over time.

Peran Komunikasi Efektif Dalam Membangun Hubungan Guru-Anak Usia Dini Yang Bermakna

Effective communication between teachers and early childhood children plays an important role in forming significant and meaningful relationships. In this article, the author discusses the role of effective communication in building meaningful teacher-early childhood relationships. This research uses a qualitative approach with case study methods and analysis of symbolic interaction theory. The research results show that effective communication between teachers and young children requires the characteristics of teachers who are patient, willing to make sacrifices, attentive, firm, and able to attract the attention of young children. In addition, teachers must understand the diverse characters of their students and use effective media to achieve meaningful communication. Thus, effective communication can help in developing early childhood social skills, improving the quality of intrapersonal relationships, and avoiding conflict. Therefore, it is important to stimulate effective communication in children from an early age to build meaningful relationships between teachers and young children.

Encountering Animals Cultivates Meaningful Shared Experiences Between Children and Parents

ABSTRACT Childhood nature experiences – particularly those shared with caregivers – have consistently, over decades of research, been linked to children’s health, as well as their developing environmental commitments. Notably, animal interactions have been shown to play key roles in children’s psychological wellbeing and their developing conservation concerns. We investigated nature experiences children share with their parents, with a particular focus on those that involve interactions with animals. Parents (n = 49) of young children completed a written survey in which they provided a short narrative describing a significant experience in nature that they had shared with their child. The narrative accounts were systematically coded and interrater reliability was attained. The qualitative findings offer a rich account of nature experiences that children and parents share. Three broad themes were identified – (1) Typology of Nature Experiences, (2) Psychosocial Factors, and (3) Relational Bonding – and are illustrated and discussed within the context of promoting healthy childhood relationships with their caregivers and the wider natural world.

Personality Structure in Psychoanalysis, Psychoanalysis and Psychodynamic Therapies

Psychodynamic psychotherapy or analytical therapies are therapies based on psychoanalysis. C. Jung's archetypes have an important role in the science of psychology. Unlike S. Freud, Jung notes that libido is not only a source of sexual energy, but reflects the whole reality of humanity. Psychodynamic psychotherapy or analytical therapies are therapies based on psychoanalysis. Freud "Ego psychology" explored early childhood relationships between mother and child, noting that the relationships we experience in early childhood with those who care for us are repeated in adulthood. J. Lacan's theory considers the ego as an illusion and accepts that we are a personality aimed at fulfilling the wishes and dreams of our parents. In general, psychodynamic psychotherapy includes long-term therapies based on early childhood, parent-child relationships, and dreams. The main purpose of the article is to examine psychoanalysis, personality structure in psychoanalysis, therapies derived from it, analytic or psychodynamic therapies.

The Relationship between Cyber Violence Victimization and Adverse Childhood Experiences

IntroductionNowadays, following the increasing digital technologies, the cyber aspect of violence is becoming more common (Willard, Journal of Adolescent Health 2007; 41) At this point, we can think that cyber violence victimization, environmental factors such as childhood traumas, exposure to violence, and moreover psychological and biological factors play a role (Fan et al., Front. Psychol 2921;12)ObjectivesOur aim was to conduct a study to determine the prevalence of cyber violence victimization among university students and to examine whether this prevalence would be related to negative childhood traumas.MethodsWe reached university students in many cities of Turkey through an online survey between 01 January 2023 and 31 March 2023. A total of 600 students participated. In our survey, we used the Turkish forms of the Childhood Adverse Experiences Scale and the Cyber Victimization Scale, for which sociodemographic data, validity and reliability studies have been completed in Turkish.ResultsUniversity students from 8 different provinces participated in our study. According to the results of our study, it was evaluated that university students who had negative childhood experiences were more likely to become cyber victims. We are exposed to many traumas from the moment we are born, and this exposure is the relationship with the mother, then relatives, friends, teachers, colleagues, etc. It continues throughout life through relationships. There is a moderate relationship between victimization of blocking and damaging behaviors in cyberspace and negative childhood relationships (r = 0.304), a low level relationship between victimization of sexual bullying in cyberspace and negative childhood relationships (r = 0.289), and victimization of spreading rumors in cyberspace. A low degree of correlation (r = 0.277) was found between and negative childhood relationships. (p &lt;0.05)ConclusionsThe widespread use of technology today facilitates the digitalization of violence, as in every field. As a result, cyber violence, like other types of violence, may be associated with childhood traumas, and this can be prevented by being exposed to the least trauma during childhood, and moreover, if we look from Bronfenbrenner’s perspective, if the next generation grows up in a suitable ecological environment, cyber violence victimization can be prevented to that extent.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Intimate relationships and hypnosis: insecure adult attachment affects emotions and absorption during hypnosis.

Hypnosis research indicates that subjects are not equally hypnotizable. Most studies on hypnotizability focused on the relationships with personality or cognitive variables. At the same time, only a few proposed the contribution of the attachment style, defined as the result of the childhood relationship with the caregivers and influencing the adult relations. In the present investigation, two studies were carried out to test the possible association between adult attachment and hypnotic responsivity. The adult attachment was assessed using the Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised (ECR-R) questionnaire, while hypnosis was assessed through the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility (HGSHS:A; Study 1) and the Phenomenology of Consciousness Inventory: Hypnotic Assessment Procedure (PCI-HAP; Study 2) in order to adopt a behavioral and a phenomenological approach, respectively. Analyses showed that attachment factors (anxiety and avoidance) were not associated with the level of hypnotizability, whereas it was associated with variations of consciousness during hypnosis, mainly internal dialogue, absorption and negative emotions. Overall, the insecure attachment styles yielded increased mind wandering and restlessness during hypnosis when compared to the secure style. The reason probably lies in the feeling of anxiety or danger of insecurely attached individuals when involved in intimate or confidential relationships. These findings clarify a still poorly investigated aspect concerning the influence of attachment style on hypnotic experience and further highlight the need to consider inter-individual differences and the phenomenological perspective when assessing hypnosis and hypnotizability.

Descriptive Analysis of Social Interaction and Communication Skills of Autistic Children According to Sibling Status and Characteristics.

Sibling relationships in early childhood can have a positive impact on children's social interaction and communication skills. Similarly, autistic children can benefit from interactions with their siblings, who can serve as readily available partners for social interaction. However, there is a lack of research on the effects of siblings based on specific characteristics of the sibling. Therefore, the aim of this study is to compare social interactions and communication skills of autistic children based on sibling status and characteristics. We conducted a retrospective data review involving 895 autistic children and their siblings at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital. Variety of diagnostic assessments or questionnaires were administered. Based on the characteristics of the data, Quade's test for nonparametric analysis of covariance was used to compare autism-related symptoms and levels of functioning of the autistic child according to 1) sibling status, 2) birth order, 3) sex, and 4) diagnosis of the sibling. Pearson correlation was used to explore associations between the sibling age gap and different clinical scores. Having siblings was associated with fewer difficulties in restricted and repetitive behaviors. Based on the comparison of the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised scores, autistic children with multiple siblings demonstrated better nonverbal behaviors. Autistic children with autistic siblings experienced greater difficulties in social interactions and communications, such as peer relationships, sharing enjoyment, and engaging in social imitative play. The study revealed differences in social interactions and communication skills of autistic children based on sibling status, birth order, affected sibling, age gap, and sex.

Affect, Body Image, Self-Esteem and Sexual Satisfaction: Impact of Early Childhood Relationships

This quantitative study explores the rich tapestry of early childhood interactions and their substantial impact on a number of adult well-being variables. Using a broad sample size, the study seeks to identify the intricate relationships between early experiences and adult sexual satisfaction, body image, self-esteem, and positive and negative affect. The study uses a quantitative methodology, gathering data from a sizable and varied cohort with the use of surveys and standardised instruments. Early childhood connections are seen as a complex construct that includes impacts from peers, families, and society at large. The study looks for patterns and links between these variables using statistical analyses and correlation models. The findings of this research could make a substantial contribution to the domains of sociology, psychology, and human development by illuminating the long-term effects of early connections.

Do early-life circumstances predict late-life suicidal ideation? Evidence from SHARE data using machine learning.

A number of studies have demonstrated that suicidal ideation in late life is associated with early-life circumstances. However, the importance of early-life circumstances in predicting suicidal ideation is not entirely clear. This study aims to use a machine learning approach to evaluate the importance of 32 early-life circumstances from six domains in predicting suicidal ideation in old age. The data in this study come from a cross-national longitudinal survey, the Survey of Health, Aging and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). Participants recalled information on early-life circumstances in SHARE wave 7 and reported suicidal ideation in SHARE wave 8. The XGBoost model was employed to evaluate the importance of 32 circumstances in six domains (early-life socioeconomic status, early-life health and healthcare, early-life relationship, etc.) in predicting the suicidal ideation of middle-aged and older adults over 50. There were 46,498 participants in this study, of which 26,672 (57.36%) were females and 19,826 (42.64%) were males. XGBoost showed a strong predictive performance, with an area under the curve of 0.80 and accuracy of 0.77. Top predictors were mainly in the domains of childhood relationship, childhood socioeconomic status, childhood health, and healthcare. In particular, having a group of friends most critically influences suicidal ideation in old age. These findings suggest that early-life circumstances may modestly predict suicidal ideation in late life. Preventive measures can be taken to lower the risk of suicidal ideation in middle-aged and older individuals.