Sex Differences in Suicidal Ideation: Mediating Effects of Alcohol Abuse/Dependence on Suicidal Ideation through Psychological Distress and Hopelessness

• Published in: Health & social work Vol. 48; no. 3; pp. 179 - 187
• Main Authors: Kim, Yi Jin, Burlaka, Viktor, Yoon, Susan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Oxford University Press 21.07.2023
• Subjects: Alcohol abuse; Alcohol use; Alcoholism; At Risk Persons; At risk populations; Comorbidity; Drinking; Drug abuse; Drug Use; Gender differences; Hopelessness; National Surveys; Polls & surveys; Psychological distress; Risk factors; Sex differences; State Surveys; Substance abuse; Suicidal ideation; Suicide; Treatment methods; Treatment needs; Young adults; social support; loneliness; service use; mental health; emerging adults
• ISSN: 0360-7283; 1545-6854
• DOI: 10.1093/hsw/hlad012

Abstract This article aims to investigate the impact of psychological distress and hopelessness as mediators in the relationship between alcohol use disorder (AUD) and suicidal ideation among young adults. The study employed data from the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, focusing on participants aged 18 to 25. The PROCESS macro was used to conduct a moderated mediation analysis. The findings revealed that AUD, psychological distress, and hopelessness were all significant risk factors for suicidal ideation among young adults. Furthermore, psychological distress and hopelessness served as significant mediators in the relationship between AUD and suicidal ideation. The study highlights the need for interventions and treatments that address co-occurring alcohol use and psychological distress/hopelessness in both sexes, for young adults at risk of suicide. In summary, the study underscores the importance of recognizing the underlying factors that contribute to suicidal ideation among young adults, especially those with AUD, psychological distress, and hopelessness.