Examining the Mediating Effects of Negative Emotions on the Link between Multiple Strains and Suicidal Ideation: A Longitudinal Analysis

Research suggests that various strains contribute to suicidal ideation, and the source of strain often indirectly affects suicidal ideation through negative affective states. The current study examines if the mediating effects of negative emotions from multiple strains is non-0, and the extent to which negative emotions transmis the effect of multiple strains on suicidal ideation. Self-reported data from a sample of Korean youth are analyzed in the mediation tests conducted here. Results indicate that bullying victimization, child abuse, and peer conflict have a direct effect on suicidal ideation in the causal steps analysis. However, the direct effects disappear when using the causal steps approach, which accounts for the mediating effect of negative emotions. Overall, it appears that various strains indirectly affect suicidal ideation through negative emotions. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.