Longitudinal trajectories of suicidal ideation among Chinese medical students: the role of childhood trauma

Abstract

Abstract Background: The aim of this study was to understand the longitudinal trajectory of suicidal ideation among Chinese medical students and the role of childhood trauma. Methods: Using a whole-group sampling method, we assessed suicidal ideation in 2192 (male = 834, female = 1358) medical students on three occasions over a period of one year. The Self-rating Idea of Suicide Scale (SIOSS) and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form (CTQ-SF) were used to assess suicidal ideation and childhood trauma. The regression of mixed models was used to analyze the developmental trajectory of suicidal ideation. Results: Chinese medical students scored higher on suicidal ideation than the general population, and the prevalence of suicidal ideation increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. The trajectory of suicidal ideation among Chinese medical students was divided into two groups: a low-level, slowly rising group and a high-level, continuous group. The low-level, slowly rising group had a significant time effect (B=1.57, p<0.001) and showed a slowly increasing trend. Emotional neglect, somatic neglect, emotional abuse and somatic abuse all had significant positive predictive effects for the low-risk, slowly rising group (B=0.18-0.65, P<0.01). Conclusion: The trajectory of suicidal ideation among medical students can be divided into a low-risk, slow-rising group and a high-risk, continuous group; the more emotional neglect, somatic neglect, emotional abuse and physical abuse experienced during childhood, the more likely medical students are to develop a high-risk, continuous state of suicidal ideation.