Childhood Trauma and Suicidal Ideation: the Mediating Role of Cognitive Fusion

Introduction: Understanding the factors involved in suicidal ideation can help prevent suicide attempts; thus, investigating these factors is crucial. The present study was conducted to investigate the mediating role of cognitive fusion in the relationship between childhood trauma and suicidal ideation. Method: This research employed a descriptive and correlational design. The study population was comprised of adults aged 18 years old and above residing in Mashhad in the year 2023, of whom 358 people (77.40% women) were selected as a sample using the convenience sampling method. The Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation, Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, and Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire were used to collect data. Statistical analysis was done using the Pearson correlation test and path analysis method in SPSS 20 and LISREL 8.80 software. Results: The results of Pearson's correlation test, in examining the relationship between variables, showed that there was a significant positive relationship between childhood trauma and suicidal ideation, the total score of cognitive fusion and the component of cognitive fusion, as well as the total score of cognitive fusion and the component of cognitive fusion with suicidal ideation (P<0.001). In addition, there was a significant negative relationship between childhood trauma and cognitive defusion and between cognitive defusion and suicidal ideation. The results of the path analysis model indicated that among childhood trauma components, emotional abuse had only an indirect effect, physical abuse had both a direct and indirect effect, and emotional neglect had only a direct effect on suicidal ideation. Moreover, cognitive fusion could play a significant mediating role in the relationship between emotional abuse and physical abuse with suicidal ideation. Conclusion: According to the current research, suicidal ideation can be influenced by childhood trauma through the influence of characteristics, such as cognitive fusion.