Mediated and Moderated Pathways From Child Maltreatment to Suicidal Ideation: The Roles of Anxiety and Gender

Author

Isabelle PhillipsFollow

Date of Award

Summer 8-1-2025

Document Type

Applied Project

Degree Name

Master of Science in Research Psychology (MS)

Department

Psychology

Supervisor

Dr. Ho

Second Reader

Dr. Jenny Lee Vaydich

Third Reader

Dr. Jessica Fossum

Abstract

Child maltreatment is a known risk factor for suicidal ideation, especially during adolescent years. However, less is understood when it comes to the psychological processes that explain this relationship. Additionally, anxiety is often studied alongside depression but may serve as a distinct mechanism linking maltreatment to suicide risk. In addition, while gender differences in anxiety and ideation have been observed before, with females reporting higher rates, findings on how gender influences the relationship between maltreatment, anxiety, and suicidal ideation remain inconsistent. This proposed study aims to examine whether anxiety mediates the relationship between child maltreatment and suicidal ideation, and whether gender (males and females) moderates the relationship. Data will be used from the Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect (LONGSCAN), focusing on adolescents between the ages of 14-18 (approximately 1350 participants). Child Maltreatment will be assessed using the conflict tactics parent to child scale, and both anxiety and suicidal ideation will be assessed using subscales from the trauma symptom checklist. A moderated mediation analysis will be conducted, with gender moderating the pathway from child maltreatment to anxiety. This study is grounded in the integrated motivational volitional model of suicide, which emphasizes how early adversity increases vulnerability to suicidal thoughts through emotional mechanisms such as anxiety. Applying this framework, this study seeks to clarify the role of anxiety in the maltreatment-suicidal ideation link and explore whether this process differs between males and females. Findings from this study may help identify gender specific risks and trauma approaches to suicide prevention.

Recommended Citation

Phillips, Isabelle, "Mediated and Moderated Pathways From Child Maltreatment to Suicidal Ideation: The Roles of Anxiety and Gender" (2025). Research Psychology Theses. 29.
https://digitalcommons.spu.edu/rpsy_etd/29