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Associations between sexual assault and suicidal thoughts and behavior: A meta-analysis
Emily R Dworkin1, Christopher R DeCou1, Skye Fitzpatrick2
1Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine.
Psychological Trauma : Theory, Research, Practice and Policy
|March 24, 2020
Summary
Sexual assault (SA) is robustly linked to increased suicidal ideation and attempts. Future research should identify factors that explain this significant association between SA and suicidality.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Sociology
Background:
- Sexual assault (SA) is a significant public health issue.
- SA is associated with various negative mental health outcomes.
- The link between SA and suicidality requires further quantitative investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively review the association between sexual assault (SA) and suicidality.
- To assess the prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempts in individuals with and without a history of SA.
- To examine potential moderators of the SA-suicidality relationship.
Main Methods:
- A meta-analysis of 25 samples (N=88,376) from prior research on SA and psychopathology.
- Random effects metaregression models were used to aggregate prevalence estimates and odds ratios.
- Analyses assessed lifetime/past-year suicidal ideation and attempts, and moderated effects by sample characteristics.
Main Results:
- Individuals exposed to SA reported significantly higher suicidality prevalence (27.25%) versus unassaulted individuals (9.37%).
- Higher rates of suicidal ideation and attempts were observed in individuals with a history of SA.
- No significant moderators (e.g., sample demographics, suicidality type) were found.
Conclusions:
- A strong association exists between sexual assault and increased risk for suicidal ideation and attempts.
- Further research is crucial to identify moderators and mediators explaining the SA-suicidality link.
- Understanding these mechanisms is vital for developing targeted interventions.
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