The relationship between depression, suicide possibility, and childhood traumas in emerging adulthood: The role of psychological pain and protective factors

Objective: The aim was to collect quantitative data on the suicide probability and other variables from individuals in emerging adulthood, and to determine the predictive role of depression, childhood traumas, multidimensional perceived social support, and psychological pain on the suicide probability. The second aim was to examine whether psychological pain has a mediating effect on the predictive role of depression on suicide probability. In addition, determining the clinical and sociodemographic protective and risk factors of suicide was aimed. In the second phase of the study, the objective was to examine the features associated with the suicide possibility of emerging adults diagnosed with depression and currently undergoing treatment. Method: A total of 1189 participants, (773 females and 416 males) between the ages of 18-25, were included in the study. Suicide Probability Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, Childhood Traumas Questionnaire, Psychological Pain Scale and Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale were used to collect quantitative data. In the second phase, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 emerging adult participants, (6 females and 4 males) who were diagnosed with depression. Results: Depression scores explained approximately 54% of the variance in suicide probability scores, while this ratio was approximately 6% for childhood trauma scores, 3.4% for psychological pain scores and 1.8% for multidimensional perceived social support scores. Psychological pain scores partially mediated the association between probability of suicide and depression. Among the protective factors identified for suicide, above average education, high perceived social support, having a romantic relationship, and medium or high socioeconomic status were identified. The risk factors determined for the suicide possibility were having high depression, childhood trauma and psychological pain scores, growing up in a broken family, experiencing chronic pain, taking pain medication, having a family history of illness, having a psychiatric or physical illness in the individual, having previous suicidal ideations and attempts, having someone in their social circle who attempted suicide. In the second phase of the study, among the themes that make suicidal thoughts accentuating was the presence of a psychiatric diagnosis in the individual or family, loneliness, interpersonal relationship problems and life difficulties. Among the responses found to be protective against suicidal thoughts were the feelings of people who are left behind, having social support, and resorting to relaxing activities. Conclusion: The probability of suicide is influenced by interpersonal relationships, childhood/adulthood traumas, and various sociodemographic and clinical factors. Depression, childhood trauma, psychological pain, and multidimensional perceived social support scores play a predictive role in the likelihood of suicide. However, it has been identified that in the predictive role of depression on the probability of suicide, there is a partial mediating effect of psychological pain.