Archives of Suicide Research
2019

Childhood Abuse and Suicidal Behaviors Among Chinese Migrant Workers: The Mediating Role of Alexithymia and Social Support (Article)

Chen L.* , Ngoubene-Atioky A.J. , Zanardelli G. , Yuanping D. , Yu L.
  • a Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
  • b Chatham Univeristy, Pittsburgh, PA, United States, Goucher College, Baltimore, MD, United States
  • c Chatham University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
  • d Deng Yuanping, Jimei University, Xiamen, China
  • e Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the lifetime prevalence of suicidal behaviors in a sample of Chinese migrant workers. It also examined the mediating role of alexithymia and social support in the link between childhood abuse and suicidal behaviors. A total of 1,563 migrant workers were surveyed by using cluster sampling. Results showed that the estimated lifetime prevalence of suicide ideation, plan, and attempt among Chinese migrant workers was 12.8%, 8.1%, and 4.6%, respectively. Structural equation modeling analyses revealed a significant positive association between childhood abuse and suicidal behaviors; this association was partially mediated by social support. A significant path from childhood abuse through alexithymia and social support to suicidal behaviors was also established. Findings of this study emphasize the importance of social support and alexithymia in understanding the possible mechanisms underlying the relationship between childhood abuse and suicidal behaviors and suggest possible avenues for suicide interventions. © 2019, © 2019 International Academy for Suicide Research.

Author Keywords

childhood abuse suicidal behaviors Social support Alexithymia Migrant workers

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85073809766&doi=10.1080%2f13811118.2019.1658142&partnerID=40&md5=b1228c066abc50d09b27d13e7e374a7a

DOI: 10.1080/13811118.2019.1658142
ISSN: 13811118
Original Language: English