The conditional indirect effects of suicide attempt history and psychiatric symptoms on the association between intimate partner violence and suicide ideation

Abstract

Background Women seeking shelter from intimate partner violence (IPV) experience heightened risk for suicide ideation and attempts compared to abused and non-abused women in the general population. However, few theory-guided studies have examined what cognitive-emotional symptoms might underlie this increased risk. Methods Guided by fluid vulnerability theory, this cross-sectional, survey study tested whether depressive symptoms, PTSD symptoms, and hopelessness mediate the association between IPV (coercive control and physical violence) and suicide ideation and whether suicide attempt history facilitated these mediated relations in 134 women seeking shelter from IPV. Results Depressive symptoms, but not PTSD symptoms or hopelessness, mediated the relation between coercive control and suicide ideation, and suicide attempt history facilitated this association. No variables mediated the association between physical violence and suicide ideation. Limitations The small sample size may have limited statistical power. The cross-sectional design precludes temporal conclusions from being drawn. Conclusions Shelter-seeking women subjected to coercive control who experience associated depressive symptoms may be at risk of suicide ideation, with history of a suicide attempt increasing this risk. Fluid vulnerability theory may help guide suicide risk assessment and intervention efforts among women seeking shelter from IPV.

Associations of Emotional Abuse Types With Suicide Ideation Among Dating Couples

“…Prior research on help-seeking samples of primarily women has supported coercive control as the main form of IPV associated with suicidal ideation (Frye et al, 2006; Leone, 2011; Wolford-Clevenger & Smith, 2017). However, the current study only partially supports this pattern in dating couples, finding that some dimensions of emotional abuse were associated with suicidal ideation, while physical assault was not.…”

“…Studies have shown that individuals in relationships characterized by coercive control experience greater suicidal ideation than those in relationships troubled by physical assault resulting from situational conflict (Frye, Manganello, Campbell, Walton-Moss, & Wilt, 2006; Johnson, 1995; Leone, 2011). Theoretically, being coercively controlled by one’s partner may elicit greater emotional pain and hopelessness—both which are risk factors for suicide ideation (Baumeister, 1990; Wolford-Clevenger & Smith, 2017). …”

Influence of the history of abuse and suicidal attempts behavior among women victims of violence in Nicaragua

“…In general, violence has many negative consequences for women and for minors exposed to abuse (Evans, Davies, & Dilillo, ; Fusco & Fantuzzo, ), and it diminishes the quality of life of the women concerned, who are victims in terms of suffering health problems, such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts/attempts (Lucena et al, ; Wolford‐Clevenger & Smith, ). The stress for the victim caused by violence can lead to suicidal behavior, based on cognitive responses related to sadness, anxiety, and despair (Rudd, ).…”

“…The stress for the victim caused by violence can lead to suicidal behavior, based on cognitive responses related to sadness, anxiety, and despair (Rudd, ). The percentage of suicide attempts among women suffering from violence is, therefore, higher than among women who have never experienced violence (Haarr, ; McLaughlin, O'Carroll, & O'Connor, ; Wolford‐Clevenger & Smith, ). For example, research by Rhodes, Lauderdale, He, Howes and Levinson () shows that women victims of violence in the US were five times more likely to attempt suicide than those who had not been abused.…”

“…This is well above the rate for the female population that has not suffered IPV, which is between 1% and 8% (Joe, Stein, Seedat, Herman, & Williams, ; Nock et al, ). Wolford‐Clevenger and Smith () found a higher percentage of suicide attempts (28%) when the victims of violence had been subjected to coercive control by their partners and presented depression which affected the suicidal behavior.…”