Citation

Dieserud G, Forsen L, Braverman MT, Røysamb E. Arch. Suicide Res. 2002; 6(4): 291-308.

Affiliation

National Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway; University of California, Davis, USA

Copyright

(Copyright © 2002, International Academy of Suicide Research, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/13811110214525

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate relations between childhood negative life events (parental loss, parental mental illness and parental abuse), adult psychological problems (depression, hopelessness, low self-esteem, low self-appraised problem-solving capacity, and alcohol problems) and suicidal behavior. A matched case control design was applied (total N=321). Risk of suicide attempt was found to be related to childhood negative life events as well as to psychological problems of adulthood. Moreover, the effects of childhood events were found to be partially mediated through the psychological problems, and gender-specific risk pathways were identified. For men, the central pathway involved parental mental illness during childhood and low self-esteem in adulthood. For women, childhood abuse, adulthood depression and alcohol problems appeared to constitute central factors. Additionally, effects were found for previous suicide attempts.