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The relationship between childhood trauma and suicidal thoughts in individuals with depressive symptoms: the mediating role of experiential avoidance and emotion dysregulation
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Tannaz Boostanchi Kashani   , Nakisa Zolnouri , Hosna Norouzi bahari , Maryam Shabrang moridani * |
| Arak Branch, Islamic Azad University, Arak, Iran. & Arak Branch, Islamic Azad University, Arak, Iran. , m.shabrangmoridani@iau.ir |
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Abstract: (62 Views) |
Introduction: Although previous studies have shown that there is a strong relationship between childhood traumatic experiences and suicidal ideation, the mechanisms mediating this relationship have not been well studied. The present study aimed to investigate the structural relationships between childhood trauma and suicidal ideation in individuals with depressive symptoms with the mediating role of experiential avoidance and emotion dysregulation.
Methods: The research method was descriptive-correlational, using structural equations. The statistical population of this study consisted of all individuals with depressive symptoms who referred to clinics and psychological service centers in Tehran in 2025. Of these individuals, 230 were selected using convenience sampling. The tools used in this study include Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), Beck Suicidal Ideation Scale, Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, (Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ-II)), Data analysis was also performed using Pearson correlation, structural equation modeling, and SPSS-26 and AMOS-24 software.
Results: The results showed that the research model has a good fit. The direct path of childhood trauma on suicidal ideation (β = 0.51, T = 4.25), experiential avoidance (β = 0.54, T = 6.22), and emotional dysregulation (β = 0.77, T = 13.24) was positive and significant. The indirect effect of childhood trauma on suicidal ideation through the mediating role of experiential avoidance is significant (P<0.05, b=0.62). The indirect effect of childhood trauma on suicidal ideation through the mediating role of emotional dysregulation is significant (P<0.05, b=0.72). The results also showed that the research variables explained a total of 75% of the variance in suicidal ideation (0.67).
Conclusions: Based on the research findings, it can be concluded that a better clinical understanding of emotion regulation and experiential avoidance in the pathology of suicidal ideation is a key element in the assessment and clinical work with individuals with depressive symptoms. Therefore, it is suggested that special attention be paid to emotion regulation-based therapies, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy with the aim of reducing suicidal thoughts in people with depressive symptoms.
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| Keywords: experiential avoidance, suicidal thoughts, emotion dysregulation, Childhood trauma, depressive symptoms. |
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Type of Study: Applicable |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2025/07/22 | Accepted: 2025/10/2 | Published: 2025/10/2 | ePublished: 2025/10/2
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