The Risk for Food Insecurity and Suicide Ideation among Young Adults in the United States: The Mediating Roles of Perceived Stress and Social Isolation

Abstract

Young adults in the United States have the highest prevalence of suicidal thoughts of any adult age group. While limited, research indicates food insecurity heightens the risk of suicide ideation among young adults. However, research has not explored the pathways underlying the food insecurity—suicide ideation association among this population. Using 2008 data from Wave IV of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health), we fill this gap by testing for the mediating roles of perceived stress and social isolation in the association between the risk for food insecurity and suicide ideation among young adults ages 24–32 ( N = 14,897). Our findings reveal that perceived stress and social isolation account for almost half of this association. Given the eradication of food insecurity in the United States is unlikely imminent, our results indicate an exigent need for interventions and programs to address psychosocial risk factors associated with food insecurity.

Food insecurity and suicidal behaviours among Bangladeshi university students: a multi-institutional cross-sectional study

“…26 Additionally, the analysis of 2008 data from Wave IV of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health revealed a significant association between FIS and suicidal ideation among young adults aged 24-32. 40 In the United States, the 2017 Youth Risk Behavior Survey involving high school students from 11 states also reported a link between FIS, suicidal behavior, and mental health. 27 The consistent findings from this study and prior research highlight the importance of addressing FIS as a potential risk factor for suicidal behaviors among university students.…”

“…Longitudinal studies might play a crucial role in understanding the time-dependent nature of this relationship, shedding light on possible causeand-effect mechanisms, and pinpointing important factors that contribute to risk or provide protection. 22,40 Investigating the underlying factors that connect FIS to suicidal behaviors, including nutritional deficiencies, psychological distress, and coping strategies, can offer valuable insights for focused interventions. Furthermore, a more thorough analysis of the correlation between debt and mental health outcomes, including various forms of debt and financial burdens, could provide valuable and nuanced insights.…”