The relationship between childhood physical abuse and suicidal ideation among Chinese university students: Possible moderators

Abstract

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. A cross-sectional survey using convenience sampling was conducted and a total of 268 valid self-administered questionnaires were completed by the participating university students. 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. The results also suggest that there should be programs that encourage adolescents with a history of childhood physical abuse to join training groups to enhance their emotional competence and resilience in the context of Chinese communities.