Exploring the Predictive Role of ACEs on Suicidal Ideation and Behaviors Among Midwest Youth

Background and Purpose: The escalating concern over the mental health crisis among youth, particularly in the context of trauma and PTSD, underscores an urgent need for research into its implications on suicidal ideation and behaviors. With the utilization of primary data, this study is anchored in the Midwest, aiming to understand the extent to which adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) serve as a predictor for suicidal tendencies among the youth demographic. The exploration extends to understanding how social connectedness and PTSD symptoms are associated with this relationship. The primary research question investigates the predictive capability of ACEs, PTSD, and social connectedness for suicidal ideation and behaviors. It was hypothesized that higher ACEs and PTSD would be associated with a greater likelihood of suicidal ideation and behaviors while higher social connectedness would be associated with less of a likelihood for suicidal tendencies.

Methods: Data comes from a cross-sectional Midwestern study of Black emerging adults 18 to 24 (N= 362) who have experiences with mental health, racism, and sexual health. The average age of the sample was 21. Participants were recruited using Qualtrics Panels, an online survey delivery service used to recruit study participants. Data were collected via standardized instruments, including the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) for suicidal ideation, the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5; α = .581) for assessing PTSD symptoms, the Social Connectedness Scale (α = .901) for evaluating social ties, and the ACEs questionnaire for traumatic childhood experiences (α = . 0.745). Logistic regression was conducted.

Results: The sample was predominantly female (76.6%) and Black American or African American (82.5%), with the majority from Midwest states like Ohio (28%), Illinois (20.1%), and Michigan (14.4%). Logistic regression analyses revealed that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) significantly predict suicidal ideation and behaviors; for every unit increase in ACEs score, the odds of suicidal ideation increase by 20.3% (OR = 1.203, 95% CI [1.077, 1.343], p < .001). Social connectedness emerged as a significant protective factor; higher levels of connectedness were associated with a 62% reduction in the odds of suicidal behavior (OR = 0.380, 95% CI [0.258, 0.561], p < .001). PTSD symptoms were not a significant predictor of suicidal tendencies in the model (OR = 0.863, 95% CI [0.580, 1.283], p = .466).

Conclusions and Implications: The study's outcomes indicate that while PTSD symptoms are a critical area of concern for youth mental health, the factors of adverse childhood experiences and social connectedness play more substantial roles in predicting suicidal ideation and behaviors. The findings highlight the need for interventions focusing on mitigating ACEs' impacts and enhancing social ties among youth. Recommended strategies include developing targeted support and community programs to strengthen social connections and address trauma's root causes. Policy recommendations emphasize integrating mental health education and services into schools and community centers. Future research should assess long-term effects and intervention efficacy in improving social connectivity and reducing suicidal tendencies in traumatized youth.