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Updated: Aug 10, 2026

A Modified Trier Social Stress Test for Vulnerable Mexican American Adolescents
Published on: July 10, 2017
Childhood stress leads to later suicidality via its effect on cognitive functioning
1Department of Psychology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg 24061, USA.
Abstract:
The present study examined the etiology of suicidal behavior from cognitive and developmental perspectives in a sample of 181 suicidal and nonsuicidal college students. We hypothesized that cognitive functioning would serve as a mediator between early life events and suicidal behavior. The present study examined child maltreatment, family instability, and poor general family environment as early negative life events, and examined self-esteem, locus of control, hopelessness, and problem-solving deficits as cognitive factors. In addition, individuals' perceived social support before age 18 and current social support and life stress were also examined in relation to the preceding variables. A series of structural equation analyses indicated that early negative life events have a mild impact on suicidal behavior, but a stronger impact on cognitive deficits, which in turn have a strong impact on suicidal behavior.
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