Adolescent suicidal thoughts and behaviors: The independent effects of interpersonal violence

While it is recognized that childhood interpersonal victimization is a predictor of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in adolescence, the independent effect of each form of victimization has rarely been quantified. Furthermore, research on child maltreatment has mainly neglected to investigate the effect of peer victimization, which is very prevalent in this developmental period. This study aimed to 1) determine the prevalence of suicidal thoughts behaviors in adolescents residing in the province of Quebec, Canada and 2) assess the independent effect of distinct forms of childhood interpersonal victimization on suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

This study used a representative sample of 6531 adolescents aged 14 to 18. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the association between child maltreatment, peer victimization, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Results showed that most forms of childhood interpersonal victimization were independently associated with an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, with child sexual abuse and peer victimization being the strongest predictors.

This study used a cross-sectional design, which does not allow us to infer temporality. Moreover, some forms of childhood trauma, such as neglect, were not examined.

This study highlights the importance of not only considering the history of maltreatment when assessing adolescents presenting with suicidal thoughts and behaviors but also considering peer victimization.