Association Between Trauma, Impulsivity, and Functioning in Suicide Attempters

Suicide is a significant public health concern associated with multiple risk factors. Among these factors, a history of trauma and impulsivity has recently received particular attention. Nevertheless, the relationship between trauma, impulsivity, and functional impairment in individuals who attempt suicide remains to be fully elucidated. This study aimed to examine the association between trauma, impulsivity, and functioning in a clinical sample with previous suicide attempts. A total of 293 patients were included in the study, with a mean age of 41.42 years (SD 14.37 years). The participants had consulted hospitals due to suicide attempts or severe suicidal ideation. The patients were recruited from three hospitals across Spain. Participants completed assessments designed to measure childhood trauma, impulsivity, and functioning. Pearson's correlations and logistic regression analyses were used to explore associations between trauma, impulsivity, and their impact on functioning. The findings of the present study indicated a modest yet statistically significant correlation between trauma and impulsivity and between impulsivity and functioning. The findings of the logistic regression analysis indicated that physical and sexual abuse, in conjunction with impulsivity, were significant predictors of diminished functioning. The present study found no evidence of a moderating effect of gender or age in the observed relationships. After controlling for all significant variables, impulsivity was the only factor that retained its statistical significance. The present findings underscore the significance of incorporating a focus on impulsivity within clinical interventions targeting individuals who have attempted suicide, with the objective of enhancing their overall functionality.