Understanding the Differential Effect of Maltreatment Types on Suicidal Risks among Korean Adolescents

Purpose: Research documented the association between child maltreatment and suicidal risks(Ackard et al., 2002; Arta et al., 2007; Chen et al., 2006; Collishaw et al., 2007; Evans et al., 2005; Joiner et al., 2007; Righthand et al., 2003; Sharma et al., 2007; Sunday et al., 2008; Zoroglu et al., 2003). Especially, sexual abuse and severe physical abuse were found to be associated with suicidal risks (Evans et al., 2005; Joiner et al., 2007). However, little research examined this relationship with Korean adolescents. Since the increase of suicide during last decade in South Korea rated top of OECD countries, public awareness of the importance of early suicide prevention has been increasing. However, little information is available to understand high risk population in developing effective intervention strategies.

This study aimed to explore following research questions. 1. Whether there exists association between maltreatment and suicidal risks? 2. Is there differential effect on suicidal risks along the maltreatment type? 3. Which maltreatment type has strong impact on suicidal risks?

Method: 2472 middle and high school youths residing in Seoul participated in this study. Participants completed self report survey which included measures of suicidal risks(using two items of suicidal ideation and suicidal attempts from K-YSR), child maltreatment(using CTS scale to measure severe physical violence between parents, severe physical violence from father, severe physical violence from mother, sexual abuse) and sociodemographic variables(gender, glade, religion, perceived economic status).

Results: Nearly one-thirds of boys and girls reported suicidal risks. Less than 10% of participants reported either severe physical violence between parents, severe physical violence from father or mother. Almost 4% of participants reported sexual abuse. Results of logistic regression analysis indicated that being female (beta=-.390, p=.000), low perceived economic status (beta=.206, p=.000. e.g. high score indicated low economic status), severe physical violence from father (beta=.210, p=.004), sexual abuse (beta=-582, p=.007) increase the likelihood of suicidal risks among Korean adolescents.

Implications: The results of this study are consistent with previous studies. Suicide preventions should discuss maltreatment issues and highlight the importance of working with abusive families. Also it is important to develop intervention strategies which regard adolescents as problem solver, not victims. With relations to sexual abuse issues, it requires careful consideration in order to prevent replicate traumatic experiences.

The accumulative impact of maltreatment and poverty draw our attention. Suicide prevention has to underscore the complicated aspects of maltreatment and poverty which necessitate broad perspective in developing effective prevention.