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The Impact of Intersectional Discrimination on Suicidality in an Adult Life Course Sample
Summary
Intersectional discrimination significantly increases suicide risk, mediated by depression. Promoting social connection may mitigate these effects.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Sociology
Background:
- Intersectional discrimination, based on multiple identity facets, is a critical determinant of mental health outcomes.
- Understanding the pathways linking discrimination to suicidality is essential for effective public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of various forms of intersectional discrimination on suicide ideation and attempts across the adult lifespan.
- To examine the mediating role of depressive symptoms in the discrimination-suicidality relationship.
- To explore social network size as a potential moderator of these associations.
Main Methods:
- Survey data from 1,570 Australian adults were analyzed using logistic regressions and moderated mediation models.
- Measures included the Intersectional Discrimination Index, suicide ideation/attempts, depressive symptoms (CES-D), and social network size (LSNS).
Main Results:
- Anticipated, day-to-day, and major discrimination were significantly linked to suicide ideation.
- Day-to-day discrimination was uniquely associated with suicide attempts.
- Depressive symptoms partially mediated these relationships; larger social networks buffered the impact of discrimination on depression but did not moderate the discrimination-suicidality link.
Conclusions:
- Intersectional discrimination is a significant risk factor for suicidal ideation and attempts, with depressive symptoms playing a key mediating role.
- Interventions targeting day-to-day discrimination and fostering social connection are crucial for suicide prevention strategies.
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