The possible mediating effect of alcohol dependence on the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and attempted suicide
Journal
Alcohol (Fayetteville, N.Y.)
Journal Volume
73
Pages
9-15
Date Issued
2018
Author(s)
Abstract
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and alcohol dependence (AD) carry independent risks for suicidal behavior. While the strength of the association between ACEs and attempted suicide is weakened following adjustment for AD, no study to date has directly been performed to determine whether AD affects the risk of suicide attributable to ACEs. The study aimed to examine the possible role of alcohol dependence (AD) in the relationship between various ACEs and attempted suicide. This cross-sectional study assessed history of ACEs among 184 AD patients and 205 control participants using the Family Health Questionnaire. Lifetime history of attempted suicide was collected using the Chinese version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. We used the Sobel test to examine the mediating effects of AD on the relationship between ACEs and attempted suicide. Results showed that the suicide attempters were associated with higher rates of AD and ACEs. The regression analysis showed that AD and multiple ACEs exposure are independently associated with attempted suicide. AD appears as a partial mediator in the relationship between attempted suicide and the specific type of ACE (exposure to a battered mother or sexual abuse) or exposure to ≥3 types of ACEs. We conclude that AD might partially mediate the associations detected between attempted suicide and exposure to a battered mother, sexual abuse, and ≥3 types of ACEs. These observations may provide important insight for intervention strategies aimed at reducing the risk of suicide attempts.
Subjects
Adverse childhood experience; Alcohol dependence; Mediating effect; Sexual abuse; Suicide
SDGs
Other Subjects
adult; adverse childhood experience; adverse event; alcoholism; Article; battered woman; Chinese version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview; controlled study; cross-sectional study; disease association; divorce; emotional abuse; exposure to violence; Family Health Questionnaire; female; household substance abuse; human; incarcerated household member; interview; major clinical study; male; medical history; mental disease; physical abuse; psychometry; questionnaire; regression analysis; sexual abuse; Sobel test; socioeconomics; suicide attempt; alcoholism; child; child sexual abuse; China; family; middle aged; mother; partner violence; psychology; suicide attempt; Adult; Adverse Childhood Experiences; Alcoholism; Child; Child Abuse, Sexual; China; Cross-Sectional Studies; Family; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Mothers; Socioeconomic Factors; Spouse Abuse; Suicide, Attempted; Surveys and Questionnaires
Publisher
ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC
Type
journal article