Citation

Farrell C, Zimmerman GM. Arch. Suicide Res. 2019; 23(1): 100-121.

Affiliation

Northeastern University, School of Criminology and Criminal Justice , Boston , MA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, International Academy of Suicide Research, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/13811118.2017.1404517

PMID

29220611

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study explored the extent to which depression, somatic symptoms, and substance use mediated the effects of exposure to violence on suicidal ideation and attempted suicide, and whether these pathways varied across gender, age, and race/ethnicity.

METHODS: Path analysis on 12,272 adolescents (mean = 15.3 years) from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health.

RESULTS: The impact of exposure to violence on suicidal ideation was fully mediated, and the impact of exposure to violence on attempted suicide was partially mediated by depression, somatic symptoms, and substance use. Mediating pathways were stronger for females and for younger adolescents.

CONCLUSION: Understanding the impact of exposure to violence on adolescent suicidal behavior requires the consideration of direct, indirect, and conditional indirect effects.

Language: en

Keywords

exposure to violence; mediation; moderated-mediation; suicidal behavior