Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

The Relation Between Child Maltreatment and Adolescent Suicidal Behavior: A Systematic Review and Critical Examination of the Literature

  • Published:
Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

A large body of research suggests that child maltreatment (CM) is associated with adolescent suicidal ideation and attempts. These studies, however, have not been critically examined and summarized in a manner that allows us to draw firm conclusions and make recommendations for future research and clinical work in this area. In this review, we evaluated all of the research literature to date examining the relationship between CM and adolescent suicidal ideation and attempts. Results generally suggest that childhood sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect are associated with adolescent suicidal ideation and attempts across community, clinical, and high-risk samples, using cross-sectional and longitudinal research designs. In most studies, these associations remain significant when controlling for covariates such as youth demographics, mental health, family, and peer-related variables. When different forms of CM are examined in the same multivariate analysis, most research suggests that each form of CM maintains an independent association with adolescent suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. However, a subset of studies yielded evidence to suggest that sexual abuse and emotional abuse may be relatively more important in explaining suicidal behavior than physical abuse or neglect. Research also suggests an additive effect—each form of CM contributes unique variance to adolescent suicide attempts. We discuss the current limitations of this literature and offer recommendations for future research. We conclude with an overview of the clinical implications of this research, including careful, detailed screening of CM history, past suicidal behavior, and current suicidal ideation, as well as the need for integrated treatment approaches that effectively address both CM and adolescent suicidal ideation and suicide attempts.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Achenbach, T. M. (1991). Integrative guide for the 1991 CBCL/4-18, YSR, and TRF profiles. Department of Psychiatry, University of Vermont Burlington.

  • Allin, H., Wathen, C. N., & MacMillan, H. (2005). Treatment of child neglect: A systematic review. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 50(8), 497.

    Google Scholar 

  • Anteghini, M., Fonseca, H., Ireland, M., & Blum, R. W. (2001). Health risk behaviors and associated risk and protective factors among Brazilian adolescents in Santos. Brazil. Journal of Adolescent Health, 28(4), 295–302.

    Google Scholar 

  • Arata, C. M., Langhinrichsen-Rohling, J., Bowers, D., & O’Brien, N. (2007). Differential correlates of multi-type maltreatment among urban youth. Child Abuse and Neglect, 31(4), 393–415.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bagley, C., Bolitho, F., & Bertrand, L. (1995). Mental health profiles, suicidal behavior, and community sexual assault in 2112 Canadian adolescents. Crisis: The Journal of Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention, 16(3), 126.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bal, S., Crombez, G., De Bourdeaudhuij, I., & Van Oost, P. (2009). Symptomatology in adolescents following initial disclosure of sexual abuse: The roles of crisis support, appraisals and coping. Child Abuse & Neglect: The International Journal, 33(10), 717–727.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bal, S., Crombez, G., Van Oost, P., & Debourdeaudhuij, I. (2003). The role of social support in well-being and coping with self-reported stressful events in adolescents. Child Abuse and Neglect, 27(12), 1377–1395.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Baldry, A. C., & Winkel, F. W. (2003). Direct and vicarious victimization at school and at home as risk factors for suicidal cognition among Italian adolescents. Journal of Adolescence, 26(6), 703–716.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Barnett, D., Manly, J. T., & Cicchetti, D. (1993). Defining child maltreatment: The interface between policy and research. Child Abuse, Child Development, and Social Policy, 8, 7–73.

    Google Scholar 

  • Beautrais, A. L., Joyce, P. R., & Mulder, R. T. (1996). Risk factors for serious suicide attempts among youths aged 13 through 24 years. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 35(9), 1174–1182.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Beck, A. T., & Steer, R. A. (1991). Manual for the Beck scale for suicide ideation. San Antonio, TX: Psychological Corporation.

    Google Scholar 

  • Becker-Blease, K. A., & Freyd, J. J. (2006). Research participants telling the truth about their lives: The ethics of asking and not asking about abuse. American Psychologist, 61(3), 218–226.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bensley, L. S., Van Eeenwyk, J., Spieker, S. J., & Schoder, J. (1999). Self-reported abuse history and adolescent problem behaviors. I. Antisocial and suicidal behaviors. Journal of Adolescent Health, 24, 173–180.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bernstein, D. P., & Fink, L. (1998). Childhood trauma questionnaire: A retrospective self-report: Manual. Psychological Corporation.

  • Blakemore, S. J. (2008). Development of the social brain during adolescence. The Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, 61(1), 40–49.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bolton, E. E., Glenn, D. M., Orsillo, S., Roemer, L., & Litz, B. T. (2003). The relationship between self-disclosure and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder in peacekeepers deployed to Somalia. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 16(3), 203–210.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Borowsky, I. W., Resnick, M. D., Ireland, M., & Blum, R. W. (1999). Suicide attempts among American Indian and Alaska Native youth: Risk and protective factors. Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, 153(6), 573.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Boxer, P., & Terranova, A. M. (2008). Effects of multiple maltreatment experiences among psychiatrically hospitalized youth. Child Abuse and Neglect, 32(6), 637–647.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Brand, E. F., King, C. A., Olson, E., Ghaziuddin, N., & Naylor, M. (1996). Depressed adolescents with a history of sexual abuse: Diagnostic comorbidity and suicidality. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 35(1), 34–41.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Brent, D., Kolko, D. J., Allan, M., & Brown, R. V. (1990). Suicidality in affectively disordered adolescent inpatients. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 29(4), 586–593.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Brent, D. A., Perper, J. A., Moritz, G., Allman, C., Friend, A., Roth, C., et al. (1993). Psychiatric risk factors for adolescent suicide: A case-control study. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 32(3), 521–529.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Brewin, C. R., Andrews, B., & Valentine, J. D. (2000). Meta-analysis of risk factors for posttraumatic stress disorder in trauma-exposed adults. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 68(5), 748.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Brezo, J., Paris, J., Vitaro, F., Hébert, M., Tremblay, R. E., & Turecki, G. (2008). Predicting suicide attempts in young adults with histories of childhood abuse. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 193(2), 134–139.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Briggs, E. C., Thompson, R., Ostrowski, S., & Lekwauwa, R. (2011). Psychological, health, behavioral, and economic impact of child maltreatment. In J. W. White, M. P. Koss, & A. E. Kazdin (Eds.), Violence against women and children, Vol 1: Mapping the terrain (Vol. 1, pp. 77–97). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brown, J., Cohen, P., Johnson, J. G., & Smailes, E. M. (1999). Childhood abuse and neglect: Specificity of effects on adolescent and young adult depression and suicidality. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 38(12), 1490–1496.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Brown, M. Z., Comtois, K. A., & Linehan, M. M. (2002). Reasons for suicide attempts and nonsuicidal self-injury in women with borderline personality disorder. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 111(1), 198.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bryan, C. J., & Rudd, M. D. (2006). Advances in the assessment of suicide risk. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 62(2), 185–200.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Buddeberg, C., Buddeberg-Fischer, B., Gnam, G., Schmid, J., & Christen, S. (1996). Suicidal behavior in Swiss students: An 18-month follow-up survey. Crisis: The Journal of Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention, 17(2), 78–86.

    Google Scholar 

  • Carballo, J. J., Akamnonu, C. P., & Oquendo, M. A. (2008). Neurobiology of suicidal behavior. An integration of biological and clinical findings. Archives of Suicide Research, 12(2), 93–110.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • CDC. (2010). National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. Web-based injury statistics query and reporting system (WISQARS).

  • Chaffin, M., & Friedrich, B. (2004). Evidence-based treatments in child abuse and neglect. Children and Youth Services Review, 26(11), 1097–1113.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chandy, J. M., Blum, R. W., & Resnick, M. D. (1996). History of sexual abuse and parental alcohol misuse: Risk, outcomes and protective factors in adolescents. Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal, 13(5), 411–432.

    Google Scholar 

  • Christopher, M. (2004). A broader view of trauma: A biopsychosocial-evolutionary view of the role of the traumatic stress response in the emergence of pathology and/or growth. Clinical Psychology Review, 24(1), 75–98.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Cicchetti, D., & Toth, S. L. (2005). Child maltreatment. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 1(1), 409–438.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Crouch, J. L., & Milner, J. S. (1993). Effects of child neglect on children. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 20(1), 49–65.

    Google Scholar 

  • Currier, D., & Mann, J. J. (2008). Stress, genes and the biology of suicidal behavior. Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 31(2), 247–269.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Darves-Bornoz, J. M., Choquet, M., Ledoux, S., Gasquet, I., & Manfredi, R. (1998). Gender differences in symptoms of adolescents reporting sexual assault. Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, 33(3), 111–117.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Deykin, E. Y., & Buka, S. L. (1994). Suicidal ideation and attempts among chemically dependent adolescents. American Journal of Public Health, 84(4), 634–639.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Dori, G. A., & Overholser, J. C. (1999). Depression, hopelessness, and self-esteem: Accounting for suicidality in adolescent psychiatric inpatients. Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, 29(4), 309–318.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Eaton, D. K., Kann, L., Kinchen, S., Shanklin, S., Flint, K. H., Hawkins, J., et al. (2012). Youth risk behavior surveillance-United States, 2011. MMWR Surveill Summ, 61(4), 1–162.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Eisenberg, M. E., Ackard, D. M., & Resnick, M. D. (2007). Protective factors and suicide risk in adolescents with a history of sexual abuse. The Journal of Pediatrics, 151(5), 482–487.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Elliott, K., & Urquiza, A. (2006). Ethnicity, culture, and child maltreatment. Journal of Social Issues, 62(4), 787–809.

    Google Scholar 

  • Esposito, C. L., & Clum, G. A. (2002). Social support and problem-solving as moderators of the relationship between childhood abuse and suicidality: Applications to a delinquent population. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 15(2), 137–146.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Esposito-Smythers, C., Weismoore, J. T., Zimmermann, R. P., & Spirito, A. (2012). Suicidal behaviors among children and adolescents. In M. K. Nock (Ed.), Oxford handbook of suicide and self-injury. New York, NY: Oxford University Press, Inc.

  • Evans, E., Hawton, K., & Rodham, K. (2004). Factors associated with suicidal phenomena in adolescents: A systematic review of population-based studies. Clinical Psychology Review, 24(8), 957–979.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Fergusson, D. M., Beautrais, A. L., & Horwood, L. J. (2003). Vulnerability and resiliency to suicidal behaviours in young people. Psychological Medicine, 33(01), 61–73.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Fergusson, D. M., Horwood, L., & Lynskey, M. T. (1996). Childhood sexual abuse and psychiatric disorder in young adulthood: II. Psychiatric outcomes of childhood sexual abuse. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 35(10), 1365–1374.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Fergusson, D. M., Woodward, L. J., & Horwood, L. J. (2000). Risk factors and life processes associated with the onset of suicidal behaviour during adolescence and early adulthood. Psychological Medicine, 30(01), 23–39.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Finkelhor, D. (1994). Current information on the scope and nature of child sexual abuse. The Future of Children, 4, 31–53.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Finkelhor, D., & Browne, A. (1985). The traumatic impact of child sexual abuse: A conceptualization. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 55(4), 530–541.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Finkelhor, D., Ormrod, R. K., & Turner, H. A. (2007). Poly-victimization: A neglected component in child victimization. Child Abuse and Neglect, 31(1), 7–26.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Fisher, C. B., Pearson, J. L., Kim, S., & Reynolds, C. F. (2002). Ethical issues in including suicidal individuals in clinical research. IRB: Ethics and Human Research, 24(5), 9.

    Google Scholar 

  • Forjuoh, S. N. (2000). Child maltreatment related injuries: Incidence, hospital charges, and correlates of hospitalization. Child Abuse and Neglect, 24(8), 1019–1025.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Fortune, S., Seymour, F., & Lambie, I. (2005). Suicide behaviour in a clinical sample of children and adolescents in New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Psychology, 34(3), 164.

    Google Scholar 

  • Friedman, M. S., Marshal, M. P., Guadamuz, T. E., Wei, C., Wong, C. F., Saewyc, E. M., et al. (2011). A meta-analysis of disparities in childhood sexual abuse, parental physical abuse, and peer victimization among sexual minority and sexual nonminority individuals. American Journal of Public Health, 101(8), 1481–1494.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Garnefski, N., & Arends, E. (1998). Sexual abuse and adolescent maladjustment: Differences between male and female victims. Journal of Adolescence, 21(1), 99–107.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gex, C. R., Narring, F., Ferron, C., & Michaud, P.-A. (1998). Suicide attempts among adolescents in Switzerland: prevalence, associated factors and comorbidity. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, 98(1), 28–33.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gibb, B. E., McGeary, J. E., Beevers, C. G., & Miller, I. W. (2006). Serotonin transporter (5-HTTLPR) genotype, childhood abuse, and suicide attempts in adult psychiatric inpatients. Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, 36(6), 687–693.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Glaser, D. (2002). Emotional abuse and neglect (psychological maltreatment): A conceptual framework. Child Abuse and Neglect, 26(6), 697–714.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Glowinski, A. L., Bucholz, K. K., Nelson, E. C., Fu, Q., Madden, P. A. F., Reich, W., et al. (2001). Suicide attempts in an adolescent female twin sample. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 40(11), 1300–1307.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Goldston, D. B. (2003). Self-report inventories and behavior checklists. In D. B. Goldston (Ed.), Measuring suicidal behavior and risk in children and adolescents (Vol. xi, pp. 87–121). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

    Google Scholar 

  • Goldston, D. B., & Compton, J. S. (2007). Adolescent suicidal and nonsuicidal self-harm behaviors and risk. In E. J. Mash & R. A. Barkley (Eds.), Assessment of childhood disorders (4th Ed., Vol. xii, pp. 305–343). New York, NY: Guilford Press.

  • Goldston, D. B., Daniel, S. S., Erkanli, A., Reboussin, B. A., Mayfield, A., Frazier, P. H., et al. (2009). Psychiatric diagnoses as contemporaneous risk factors for suicide attempts among adolescents and young adults: Developmental changes. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 77(2), 281–290.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Goldston, D. B., Molock, S. D., Whitbeck, L. B., Murakami, J. L., Zayas, L. H., & Hall, G. C. N. (2008). Cultural considerations in adolescent suicide prevention and psychosocial treatment. American Psychologist, 63(1), 14–31.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gould, M. S., Velting, D., Kleinman, M., Lucas, C., Thomas, J. G., & Chung, M. (2004). Teenagers’ attitudes about coping strategies and help-seeking behavior for suicidality. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 43(9), 1124–1133.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Green, S. M., Russo, M. F., Navratil, J. L., & Loeber, R. (1999). Sexual and physical abuse among adolescent girls with disruptive behavior problems. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 8(2), 151–168.

    Google Scholar 

  • Greydanus, D., Patel, D., & Pratt, H. (2010). Suicide risk in adolescents with chronic illness: Implications for primary care and specialty pediatric practice: A review. Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology, 52(12), 1083–1087.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Grilo, C. M., Sanislow, C. A., Fehon, D. C., Martino, S., & McGlashan, T. H. (1999). Psychological and behavioral functioning in adolescent psychiatric inpatients who report histories of childhood abuse. American Journal of Psychiatry, 156(4), 538–543.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Grossman, D. C., Milligan, B. C., & Deyo, R. A. (1991). Risk factors for suicide attempts among Navajo adolescents. American Journal of Public Health, 81(7), 870–874.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hacker, K. A., Suglia, S. F., Fried, L. E., Rappaport, N., & Cabral, H. (2006). Developmental differences in risk factors for suicide attempts between ninth and eleventh graders. Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, 36(2), 154–166.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hager, A. D., & Runtz, M. G. (2012). Physical and psychological maltreatment in childhood and later health problems in women: An exploratory investigation of the roles of perceived stress and coping strategies. Child Abuse and Neglect, 36(5), 393–403.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Harrison, P. A., Hoffmann, N. G., & Edwall, G. E. (1989). Sexual abuse correlates similarities between male and female adolescents in chemical dependency treatment. Journal of Adolescent Research, 4(3), 385–399.

    Google Scholar 

  • Higgins, D. J., & McCabe, M. P. (2001). Multiple forms of child abuse and neglect: Adult retrospective reports. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 6(6), 547–578.

    Google Scholar 

  • Holmes, W. C., & Slap, G. B. (1998). Sexual abuse of boys. JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association, 280(21), 1855–1862.

    Google Scholar 

  • Horwitz, A. G., Hill, R. M., & King, C. A. (2011). Specific coping behaviors in relation to adolescent depression and suicidal ideation. Journal of Adolescence, 34(5), 1077–1085.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hoyert, D. L., & Xu, J. (2012). Deaths: Preliminary data for 2011. National Vital Statistics Reports, 61(6), 1–51.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hussey, J. M., Marshall, J. M., English, D. J., Knight, E. D., Lau, A. S., Dubowitz, H., et al. (2005). Defining maltreatment according to substantiation: distinction without a difference? Child Abuse and Neglect, 29(5), 479–492.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Jobes, D. A. (2012). The collaborative assessment and management of suicidality (CAMS): An evolving evidence-based clinical approach to suicidal risk. Suicide & Life-Threatening Behavior, 42(6), 640–653.

    Google Scholar 

  • Johnson, J. G., Cohen, P., Gould, M. S., Kasen, S., Brown, J., & Brook, J. S. (2002). Childhood adversities, interpersonal difficulties, and risk for suicide attempts during late adolescence and early adulthood. Archives of General Psychiatry, 59(8), 741.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Johnson, B. K., & Kenkel, M. B. (1991). Stress, coping, and adjustment in female adolescent incest victims. Child Abuse and Neglect, 15(3), 293–305.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Joiner, T. (2007). Why people die by suicide. Cambridge: Harvard University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kaplan, M. S., McFarland, B. H., Huguet, N., & Newsom, J. T. (2007). Physical illness, functional limitations, and suicide risk: A population-based study. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 77(1), 56–60.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kaplan, S. J., Pelcovitz, D., Salzinger, S., Mandel, F., Weiner, M., & Labruna, V. (1999). Adolescent physical abuse and risk for suicidal behaviors. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 14(9), 976–988.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kessler, R. C., Borges, G., & Walters, E. E. (1999). Prevalence of and risk factors for lifetime suicide attempts in the National Comorbidity Survey. Archives of General Psychiatry, 56(7), 617.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kinard, E. (1994). Methodological issues and practical problems in conducting research on maltreated children. Child Abuse and Neglect, 18(8), 645–656.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kinard, E. M. (2004). Methodological issues in assessing the effects of maltreatment characteristics on behavioral adjustment in maltreated children. Journal of Family Violence, 19(5), 303–318.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kisiel, C. L., & Lyons, J. S. (2001). Dissociation as a mediator of psychopathology among sexually abused children and adolescents. American Journal of Psychiatry, 158(7), 1034–1039.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kurtz, P. D., Kurtz, G. L., & Jarvis, S. V. (1991). Problems of maltreated runaway youth. Adolescence, 36, 309–314.

    Google Scholar 

  • Laederach, J., Fischer, W., Bowen, P., & Ladame, F. (1999). Common risk factors in adolescent suicide attempters revisited. Crisis: The Journal of Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention, 20(1), 15–22.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lau, A. S., Leeb, R. T., English, D., Graham, J. C., Briggs, E. C., Brody, K. E., et al. (2005). What’s in a name? A comparison of methods for classifying predominant type of maltreatment. Child Abuse and Neglect, 29(5), 533–551.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Legerski, J. P., & Bunnell, S. L. (2010). The risks, benefits, and ethics of trauma-focused research participation. Ethics and Behavior, 20(6), 429–442.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lepore, S. J., Silver, R. C., Wortman, C. B., & Wayment, H. A. (1996). Social constraints, intrusive thoughts, and depressive symptoms among bereaved mothers. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 70(2), 271.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Linehan, M. (1993). Cognitive-behavioral treatment of borderline personality disorder. New York: Guilford Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Locke, T. F., & Newcomb, M. D. (2005). Psychosocial predictors and correlates of suicidality in teenage Latino males. Hispanic Journal of Behavioral Sciences, 27(3), 319–336.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lynskey, M. T., & Fergusson, D. M. (1997). Factors protecting against the development of adjustment difficulties in young adults exposed to childhood sexual abuse. Child Abuse and Neglect, 21(12), 1177–1190.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lyon, M. E., Benoit, M., O’Donnell, R. M., Getson, P. R., Silber, T., & Walsh, T. (2000). Assessing African American adolescents’ risk for suicide attempts: Attachment theory. Adolescence, 35, 121–134.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • MacLean, J., Jolene, D., Jacobi, F., Bolton, J. M., & Sareen, J. (2011). The relationship between physical conditions and suicidal behavior among those with mood disorders. Journal of Affective Disorders, 130(1–2), 245–250.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Malinosky-Rummell, R., & Hansen, D. J. (1993). Long-term consequences of childhood physical abuse. Psychological Bulletin, 114(1), 68.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Manly, J. T., Cicchetti, D., & Barnett, D. (1994). The impact of subtype, frequency, chronicity, and severity of child maltreatment on social competence and behavior problems. Development and Psychopathology, 6(1), 121–143.

    Google Scholar 

  • Martin, G., Bergen, H. A., Richardson, A. S., Roeger, L., Allison, S., et al. (2004). Sexual abuse and suicidality: Gender differences in a large community sample of adolescents. Child Abuse and Neglect, 28(5), 491–503.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Matsumoto, T., Tsutsumi, A., Izutsu, T., Imamura, F., Chiba, Y., & Takeshima, T. (2009). Comparative study of the prevalence of suicidal behavior and sexual abuse history in delinquent and non-delinquent adolescents. Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, 63(2), 238–240.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • McGee, R. A., Wolfe, D. A., Yuen, S. A., Wilson, S. K., & Carnochan, J. (1995). The measurement of maltreatment: A comparison of approaches. Child Abuse and Neglect, 19(2), 233–249.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Miller, J. M., Kinnally, E. L., Ogden, R. T., Oquendo, M. A., Mann, J. J., & Parsey, R. V. (2009). Reported childhood abuse is associated with low serotonin transporter binding in vivo in major depressive disorder. Synapse (New York), 63(7), 565–573.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mishara, B. L., & Weisstub, D. N. (2005). Ethical and legal issues in suicide research. International Journal of Law and Psychiatry, 28(1), 23–41.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Molnar, B. E., Shade, S. B., Kral, A. H., Booth, R. E., & Watters, J. K. (1998). Suicidal behavior and sexual/physical abuse among street youth. Child Abuse and Neglect, 22(3), 213–222.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Moran, P. B., Vuchinich, S., & Hall, N. K. (2004). Associations between types of maltreatment and substance use during adolescence. Child Abuse and Neglect, 28(5), 565–574.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Nock, M. K., & Favazza, A. R. (2009). Nonsuicidal self-injury: Definition and classification. In M. K. Nock (Ed.), Understanding nonsuicidal self-injury: Origins, assessment, and treatment (Vol. xiii, pp. 9–18). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nock, M. K., Holmberg, E. B., Photos, V. I., & Michel, B. D. (2007). Self-injurious thoughts and behaviors interview: Development, reliability, and validity in an adolescent sample. Psychological Assessment, 19(3), 309–317.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • O’Carroll, P. W., Berman, A. L., Maris, R. W., Moscicki, E. K., Tanney, B. L., & Silverman, M. M. (1996). Beyond the tower of babel: A nomenclature for suicidology. Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, 26(3), 237–252.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • O’Donnell, M., Nassar, N., Leonard, H., Mathews, R., Patterson, Y., & Stanley, F. (2010). Monitoring child abuse and neglect at a population level: Patterns of hospital admissions for maltreatment and assault. Child Abuse and Neglect, 34(11), 823–832.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ozer, E. J., Best, S. R., Lipsey, T. L., & Weiss, D. S. (2003). Predictors of posttraumatic stress disorder and symptoms in adults: A meta-analysis. Psychological Bulletin, 129(1), 52.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Plunkett, A., O’Toole, B., Swanston, H., Oates, R. K., Shrimpton, S., & Parkinson, P. (2001). Suicide risk following child sexual abuse. Ambulatory Pediatrics, 1(5), 262–266.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Posner, K., Oquendo, M., Gould, M., Stanley, B., & Davies, M. (2007). Columbia classification algorithm of suicide assessment (C-CASA): Classification of suicidal events in the FDA’s pediatric suicidal risk analysis of antidepressants. American Journal of Psychiatry, 164(7), 1035–1043.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Prinstein, M. J., Boergers, J., & Vernberg, E. M. (2001). Overt and relational aggression in adolescents: Social-psychological adjustment of aggressors and victims. Journal of Clinical Child Psychology, 30(4), 479–491.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Prinstein, M. J., Nock, M. K., Simon, V., Aikins, J. W., Cheah, C. S., & Spirito, A. (2008). Longitudinal trajectories and predictors of adolescent suicidal ideation and attempts following inpatient hospitalization. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 76(1), 92.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rew, L., Thomas, N., Horner, S. D., Resnick, M. D., & Beuhring, T. (2001). Correlates of recent suicide attempts in a triethnic group of adolescents. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 33(4), 361–367.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Reynolds, W. M. (1988). Suicidal ideation questionnaire: Professional manual. Odessa, FL: Psychological Assessment Resources.

    Google Scholar 

  • Riggs, S. A. (2010). Childhood emotional abuse and the attachment system across the life cycle: What theory and research tell us. Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma, 19(1), 5–51.

    Google Scholar 

  • Riggs, S., Alario, A. J., & McHorney, C. (1990). Health risk behaviors and attempted suicide in adolescents who report prior maltreatment. The Journal of Pediatrics, 116(5), 815–821.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Robinson, J., Cotton, S., Conus, P., Schimmelmann, B. G., McGorry, P., & Lambert, M. (2009). Prevalence and predictors of suicide attempt in an incidence cohort of 661 young people with first-episode psychosis. The Australian and New Zealand journal of psychiatry, 43(2), 149–157.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rosenberg, H. J., Jankowski, M. K., Sengupta, A., Wolfe, R. S., Wolford, G. L., I. I., & Rosenberg, S. D. (2005). Single and multiple suicide attempts and associated health risk factors in New Hampshire adolescents. Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, 35(5), 547–557.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rosenthal, S., Feiring, C., & Taska, L. (2003). Emotional support and adjustment over a year’s time following sexual abuse discovery. Child Abuse and Neglect, 27(6), 641–661.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ryan, K. D., Kilmer, R. P., Cauce, A. M., Watanabe, H., & Hoyt, D. R. (2000). Psychological consequences of child maltreatment in homeless adolescents: Untangling the unique effects of maltreatment and family environment. Child Abuse and Neglect, 24(3), 333–352.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Salzinger, S., Rosario, M., Feldman, R. S., & Ng-Mak, D. S. (2007). Adolescent suicidal behavior: Associations with preadolescent physical abuse and selected risk and protective factors. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 46(7), 859–866.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Shaffer, A., Huston, L., & Egeland, B. (2008). Identification of child maltreatment using prospective and self-report methodologies: A comparison of maltreatment incidence and relation to later psychopathology. Child Abuse and Neglect, 32(7), 682.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Shaffer, D., & Pfeffer, C. R. (2001). Practice parameter for the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with suicidal behavior. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 40(7), 28.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shapiro, D. L., & Levendosky, A. A. (1999). Adolescent survivors of childhood sexual abuse: The mediating role of attachment style and coping in psychological and interpersonal functioning. Child Abuse and Neglect, 23(11), 1175–1191.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Shaunesey, K., Cohen, J. L., Plummer, B., & Berman, A. (1993). Suicidality in hospitalized adolescents: Relationship to prior abuse. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 63(1), 113–119.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Silverman, M. M., Berman, A. L., Sanddal, N. D., O’Carroll, P. W., & Joiner, T. E., Jr. (2007). Rebuilding the tower of babel: A revised nomenclature for the study of suicide and suicidal behaviors Part 1: Background, rationale, and methodology. Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, 37(3), 248–263.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Silverman, A. B., Reinherz, H. Z., & Giaconia, R. M. (1996). The long-term sequelae of child and adolescent abuse: A longitudinal community study. Child Abuse and Neglect, 20(8), 709–723.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Spaccarelli, S. (1994). Stress, appraisal, and coping in child sexual abuse: A theoretical and empirical review. Psychological Bulletin, 116(2), 340.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Spirito, A., Esposito-Smythers, C., Weismoore, J., & Miller, A. (2012). Adolescent suicidal behavior. In Child and adolescent therapy: Cognitive-behavioral procedures (4th Ed., pp. 234–256). New York, NY, US: Guilford Press.

  • Springer, K. W., Sheridan, J., Kuo, D., & Carnes, M. (2007). Long-term physical and mental health consequences of childhood physical abuse: Results from a large population-based sample of men and women. Child Abuse and Neglect, 31(5), 517–530.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Stewart, S. M., Kennard, B. D., Lee, P. W. H., Mayes, T., Hughes, C., & Emslie, G. (2005). Hopelessness and suicidal ideation among adolescents in two cultures. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 46(4), 364–372.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Swanston, H. Y., Tebbutt, J. S., O’Toole, B. I., & Oates, R. K. (1997). Sexually abused children 5 years after presentation: a case-control study. Pediatrics, 100(4), 600–608.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Talbot, N. L., Chapman, B., Conwell, Y., McCollumn, K., Franus, N., Cotescu, S., et al. (2009). Childhood sexual abuse is associated with physical illness burden and functioning in psychiatric patients 50 years of age and older. Psychosomatic Medicine, 71(4), 417–422.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Teisl, M., & Cicchetti, D. (2008). Physical abuse, cognitive and emotional processes, and aggressive/disruptive behavior problems. Social Development, 17(1), 1–23.

    Google Scholar 

  • Thompson, R., Proctor, L. J., English, D. J., Dubowitz, H., Narasimhan, S., & Everson, M. D. (2012). Suicidal ideation in adolescence: Examining the role of recent adverse experiences. Journal of Adolescence, 35(1), 175–186.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Trickett, P. K. (1998). Multiple maltreatment and the development of self and emotion regulation. Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma, 2(1), 171–187.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tyler, K. A., Johnson, K. A., & Brownridge, D. A. (2008). A longitudinal study of the effects of child maltreatment on later outcomes among high-risk adolescents. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 37(5), 506–521.

    Google Scholar 

  • Van Orden, K. A., Witte, T. K., Cukrowicz, K. C., Braithwaite, S. R., Selby, E. A., & Joiner, T. E., Jr. (2010). The interpersonal theory of suicide. Psychological Review, 117(2), 575.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wagner, K. D. (2000). Cognitive factors related to suicidal ideation and resolution in psychiatrically hospitalized children and adolescents. American Journal of Psychiatry, 157(12), 2017–2021.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Waldrop, A. E., Hanson, R. F., Resnick, H. S., Kilpatrick, D. G., Naugle, A. E., & Saunders, B. E. (2007). Risk factors for suicidal behavior among a national sample of adolescents: Implications for prevention. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 20(5), 869–879.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wekerle, C., Leung, E., Wall, A. M., MacMillan, H., Boyle, M., Trocme, N., et al. (2009). The contribution of childhood emotional abuse to teen dating violence among child protective services-involved youth. Child Abuse and Neglect, 33(1), 45–58.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wilson, K. R., Hansen, D. J., & Li, M. (2011). The traumatic stress response in child maltreatment and resultant neuropsychological effects. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 16(2), 87–97.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wolfe, D. A., Scott, K., Wekerle, C., Pittman, A. L., et al. (2001). Child maltreatment: Risk of adjustment problems and dating violence in adolescence. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 40(3), 282–289.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Yoder, K. A. (1999). Comparing suicide attempters, suicide ideators, and nonsuicidal homeless and runaway adolescents. Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, 29(1), 25–36.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Zoroglu, S. S., Tuzun, U., Sar, V., Tutkun, H., Savaçs, H. A., Ozturk, M., et al. (2003). Suicide attempt and self-mutilation among Turkish high school students in relation with abuse, neglect and dissociation. Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, 57(1), 119–126.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Todd B. Kashdan, Ph.D. for his helpful comments on an earlier version of this draft. This research was supported in part by a federal grant awarded to Dr. Christianne Esposito-Smythers (R01AA016854). This research was supported in part by NIAAA grant R01AA016854-04 Alcohol, Suicide & HIV Prevention of Teens in Mental Health Treatment, awarded to the second author.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, MS 3F5, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, 22030, USA

    Adam B. Miller, Christianne Esposito-Smythers, Julie T. Weismoore & Keith D. Renshaw

Authors
  1. Adam B. Miller
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Christianne Esposito-Smythers
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Julie T. Weismoore
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Keith D. Renshaw
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Adam B. Miller.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Miller, A.B., Esposito-Smythers, C., Weismoore, J.T. et al. The Relation Between Child Maltreatment and Adolescent Suicidal Behavior: A Systematic Review and Critical Examination of the Literature. Clin Child Fam Psychol Rev 16, 146–172 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10567-013-0131-5

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10567-013-0131-5

Keywords

Search

Navigation