The effect of Childhood maltreatment on Suicidal ideation among college students: The Chain Mediating Effects of Social support and Basic Psychological Needs
Background: Suicide is a global public health concern. To explore the relationship between childhood maltreatment and college students’ suicidal ideation and the mediating role of social support and basic psychological needs. Methods: A questionnaire survey of 625 college students was conducted using the childhood Maltreatment Scale, the Suicidal Ideation Scale, the Social Support Scale, and the Basic Needs Satisfaction Scale. Results: The study revealed that (1) childhood maltreatment positively predicted college students’ suicidal ideation, (2) social support and basic psychological needs played independent mediating roles before childhood maltreatment and suicidal ideation, and (3) social support and basic psychological needs played chain mediating roles before childhood maltreatment and suicidal ideation. Conclusions: Childhood maltreatment positively predicts suicidal ideation among college students, and social support and basic psychological needs play a chain mediating role. This study contributes to the understanding of the effects of childhood maltreatment on suicidal ideation and its mechanism of action, which is of practical significance for the prevention and intervention of college students’ suicidal behaviours.