Dimensions of Emotion Dysregulation and Childhood Adversities Differentiate Young Adults With Histories of Suicide Ideation and Attempts.

Abstract

Background: Although emotion dysregulation and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are key psychosocial risk factors for suicidal ideation and suicide attempts, it remains unclear which specific dimensions of these factors can distinguish the transition from ideation to attempts. Aims: To determine whether specific dimensions of emotion dysregulation and adverse childhood experiences differentiate young adults with histories of suicidal ideation from those with histories of suicide attempts. Method: A sample of 418 young adults (63% non-Latinx White; 71% female; M = 23.56, SD = 2.85) completed measures of ACEs, emotion dysregulation, and suicidal ideation and attempts. Multinomial logistic regression assessed how specific dimensions of emotion dysregulation and ACEs predicted membership in three groups: no history of ideation or attempts, ideation only, and attempt history, controlling for depressive symptoms, age, and gender. Results: The suicidal ideation group reported greater cumulative ACEs and depressive symptoms than those without ideation/attempt history. The suicide attempts group reported greater ACEs and difficulties with goal-directed behavior than the other two groups. Difficulties engaging in goal-directed behavior and emotional awareness were more predictive of membership in the suicide attempts than the suicidal ideation group. Limitations: The cross-sectional, retrospective design, and predominantly White female sample limit causal inferences and generalizability. Conclusion: Focusing on specific emotion regulation strategies may improve outcomes for young adults at risk for suicidal ideation and attempts and with a history of ACEs. Goal-directed behavior and emotional awareness offer promising targets for intervention to reduce suicide risk in this population.