Sex Differences in Suicidal Ideation: Mediating Effects of Alcohol Abuse/Dependence on Suicidal Ideation through Psychological Distress and Hopelessness

Yi Jin Kim, Viktor Burlaka, Susan Yoon

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

This article aims to investigate the impact of psychological distress and hopelessness as mediators in the relationship between alcohol use disorder (AUD) and suicidal ideation among young adults. The study employed data from the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, focusing on participants aged 18 to 25. The PROCESS macro was used to conduct a moderated mediation analysis. The findings revealed that AUD, psychological distress, and hopelessness were all significant risk factors for suicidal ideation among young adults. Furthermore, psychological distress and hopelessness served as significant mediators in the relationship between AUD and suicidal ideation. The study highlights the need for interventions and treatments that address co-occurring alcohol use and psychological distress/hopelessness in both sexes, for young adults at risk of suicide. In summary, the study underscores the importance of recognizing the underlying factors that contribute to suicidal ideation among young adults, especially those with AUD, psychological distress, and hopelessness.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)179-187
Number of pages9
JournalHealth and Social Work
Volume48
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Aug 2023

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2023 National Association of Social Workers.

Keywords

  • emerging adults
  • loneliness
  • mental health
  • service use
  • social support

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