Relationship between childhood physical abuse and suicidal ideation among students

What is it about?

This study examined the relationship between childhood physical abuse and adolescent suicidal ideation in Hong Kong, China. Emotional competence and resilience were investigated as possible moderators of the relationship between physical abuse and suicidal ideation.

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Why is it important?

The results indicate that physical abuse in childhood is significantly associated with greater suicidal ideation among young people at university. Higher levels of emotional competence and resilience are shown to moderate the relationship between physical abuse and suicidal ideation. To decrease Chinese adolescent suicidal ideation arising out of childhood physical abuse, preventative measures are suggested; these involve enhancing adolescents' emotional competence and resilience by providing training for children and young people who are at risk.