Childhood stress leads to later suicidality via its effect on cognitive functioning

The present study examined the etiology of suicidal behavior from cognitive and developmental perspectives in a sample of 181 suicidal and nonsuicidal college students. We hypothesized that cognitive functioning would serve a s a mediator between early life events and suicidal behavior. The present s tudy examined child maltreatment, family instability, and poor general fami ly environment as early negative life events, and examined self-esteem, loc us of control, hopelessness, and problem-solving deficits as cognitive fact ors. In addition, individuals' perceived social support before age 18 and c urrent social support and life stress were also examined in relation to the preceding variables. A series of structural equation analyses indicated th at early negative life events have a mild impact on suicidal behavior, but a stronger impact on cognitive deficits, which in turn have a strong impact on suicidal behavior.