Relationship Between Childhood Trauma and Suicidal Behavior in Individuals With Dual Diagnosis: The Mediating Role of Alexithymia and Mental Health

Background: Suicide is a significant public health concern, and several psychological variables, such as childhood trauma, have been studied as risk factors, but this link remains unclear. The study aims to examine the association between childhood trauma (i.e., physical and emotional abuse/neglect and sexual abuse) and suicide, as well as to analyze the mediating role of alexithymia and mental health (i.e., depression and anxiety) in this relationship. Methods: A total of 75 individuals with dual diagnosis (on average, 44.15 years old, SD = 12.15; 82.7% males) completed four questionnaires: Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, Toronto Alexithymia Scale, Symptoms Assessment-45, and Paykel Suicide Scale. Structural equation modeling was performed to examine the mediating role of alexithymia and mental health in the relationship between childhood trauma and suicidal behavior. Results: Both alexithymia and mental health problems mediate the relationship between childhood trauma and suicidal behavior. Conclusions: This finding underscores the importance of screening for and addressing alexithymia and mental health in clinical practice, especially in suicide-prevention interventions.