Research on suicidal ideation indicates the significant role of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and early parental attachment but fails to investigate risk potential in student populations....Show moreResearch on suicidal ideation indicates the significant role of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and early parental attachment but fails to investigate risk potential in student populations. This study aimed to research how adverse childhood experiences in a population of university students who report mood and stress problems are related to suicidal ideation and whether the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and suicidal ideation is moderated by attachment style. To target students at risk for suicidal ideation, purposive sampling was employed. An independent samples t-test with consecutive multiple regression (n= 234) showed that adverse childhood experiences, measured with the ACE questionnaire, predicted the presence and severity of suicidal ideation, measured by the BSSI. Consecutive ANCOVA showed that disorganized attachment to the mother and father, measured with the PBI, were found to predict suicidal ideation. Secure attachment was negatively associated with suicidal ideation, whereas for avoidant and anxious attachment there was no association found. A logistic regression analysis showed no moderation effect of insecure attachment styles in the relation between adverse childhood experiences and suicidal ideation. Gender, academic pressure, and nationality were controlled. Findings may be limited due to methodological and performance flaws. The results highlight the importance of early identification of adverse childhood experiences and disorganized attachment for intervention and prevention of later suicidal ideation amongst students.Show less
Abstract Background: As suicide rates are alarmingly high worldwide, finding predictors for suicide is imperative. People with borderline personality disorder (BPD) have a heightened risk of...Show moreAbstract Background: As suicide rates are alarmingly high worldwide, finding predictors for suicide is imperative. People with borderline personality disorder (BPD) have a heightened risk of attempting and dying by suicide. BPD is diagnosed using nine distinct criteria, which have all been previously linked to suicidal ideation, suicidal behavior, and suicide attempts (SA) in people with BPD. However, the results of previous studies vary greatly, and no single diagnostic criterium seemed to have a uniquely strong correlation with SA. The aim of this study was to shed more light on the associations of these criteria and SA by including a large group of people with BPD or other psychiatric illnesses, and healthy participants. Method: Diagnostic criteria and previous SA were assessed in a semi-structured interview by trained clinicians. Data was analyzed with multiple regression analyses in the three groups separately. Results: In BPD participants, the criteria of abandonment avoidance and affective instability were significantly linked to SA, while suicidal and self-harm behaviors only showed a marginally significant predictive effect. In the clinical group, all diagnostic criteria had non-significant effects on the number of SA. The analysis for the healthy group was inconclusive due to restricted range of SA. Conclusion: These findings suggest that abandonment avoidance and affective instability may be the most pronounced risk factors for people with BPD; they are more strongly linked to SA than even suicidal behavior and the remaining diagnostic criteria. In people with other psychiatric illnesses, other risk factors may be more important for SA. This may have implications for suicide prevention in clinical practice, though further research is needed.Show less
