Background: The contribution of specific childhood trauma subtypes to suicidal thoughts and the associated mechanisms remains unclear, particularly in psychiatric patients.
Methods: Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 449 psychiatric patients aged 18-73. Childhood trauma, self-esteem, nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), and suicidality were assessed retrospectively. Regression and moderated mediation model were employed to examine these relationships.
Results: Emotional and sexual abuse were independently associated with suicidality. Female patients reported higher levels of emotional and sexual abuse, lower self-esteem, and a heightened risk of suicide. Self-esteem moderated the links between childhood trauma and NSSI, as well as between NSSI and suicidality. NSSI served as a mediator between childhood trauma and suicidality.
Conclusions: Suicide prevention in mentally ill patients should involve targeted programs addressing specific childhood trauma. Additionally, psychological interventions to enhance self-esteem and assist individuals engaging in NSSI behavior are crucial.
Keywords: NSSI; childhood trauma; psychiatric outpatients; self-esteem; suicidality.
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