Predictors and correlates of lifetime and persistent non-suicidal self-injury and suicide attempts among adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse
Open Access
- 27 November 2020
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Taylor & Francis Ltd in European Journal of Psychotraumatology
Abstract
Background: Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is a well-established risk factor for non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and suicide attempts (SA); still few studies have examined predictors of individual differences in NSSI/SA amongst CSA survivors. Objective: To examine predictors of NSSI and SA among adult CSA-survivors. Methods: In a sample of 516, primarily female adult CSA-survivors recruited from support centres for sexual abuse survivors in Norway, we examined the role of abuse/perpetrator characteristics, and the degree/severity of exposure to other types of childhood maltreatment (cumulative childhood maltreatment; CCM), as predictors of lifetime NSSI and SA. In a subsample of 138 individuals responding to follow-up waves two- and four years later, these same distal factors, as well as previous NSSI and proximal factors in the form of symptoms of mental health disorders (posttraumatic stress, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and eating disorders), relational problems, and perceived social support, were examined as predictors of persistent NSSI. Finally, those attempting new SA during the follow-up period were compared to those who did not on these variables. Results: Higher CCM scores and having had an unknown perpetrator positively predicted lifetime NSSI scores. Higher CCM scores, violent abuse, and having had an unknown perpetrator predicted lifetime SA. Higher CCM scores, previous NSSI, having had a known perpetrator, as well as higher depression-, anxiety- and eating disorder scores, positively predicted persistent NSSI during the four-year follow-up period. Compared to those with no new SA, those reporting new SA during the follow-up period had higher CCM, lifetime NSSI, mental health symptoms and relational problem scores, lower perceived social support scores, and were more likely to have done a past SA and to have experienced abuse involving physical violence. Conclusions: A broad range of both distal and proximal factors should be assessed as potential predictors of NSSI and SA among adult CSA-survivors.Keywords
Funding Information
- The Dam Foundation (2018/FO187445)
- The Meltzer Foundation (N/A)
- The Research Council of Norway (N/A)
- The Meltzer Foundation (N/A)
This publication has 46 references indexed in Scilit:
- Social support as a protective factor in suicide: Findings from two nationally representative samplesJournal of Affective Disorders, 2013
- Health Outcomes by Closeness of Sexual Abuse Perpetrator: A Test of Betrayal Trauma TheoryJournal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma, 2012
- Risk for Suicidal Thoughts and Behavior after Childhood Sexual Abuse in Women and MenSuicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, 2011
- Efficacy of Transdiagnostic Treatments: A Review of Published Outcome Studies and Future Research DirectionsJournal of Cognitive Psychotherapy, 2009
- Self‐Injurious Behavior and Eating Disorders: The Extent and Nature of the AssociationSuicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, 2007
- Relationship to Perpetrator, Disclosure, Social Reactions, and PTSD Symptoms in Child Sexual Abuse SurvivorsJournal of Child Sexual Abuse, 2007
- Revictimization and Self-Harm in Females Who Experienced Childhood Sexual AbuseJournal of Interpersonal Violence, 2003
- Suicide Risk Assessment: A Review of Risk Factors for Suicide in 100 Patients Who Made Severe Suicide Attempts: Evaluation of Suicide Risk in a Time of Managed CarePsychosomatics, 1999
- Suicidal thoughts and behaviours in former sexual abuse victims.Canadian Journal of Behavioural Science / Revue canadienne des sciences du comportement, 1986
- The Hospital Anxiety and Depression ScaleActa Psychiatrica Scandinavica, 1983