Colliding Traumas and Unexpected Outcomes: Examining Complex Relationships Between Sexual Violence, Intersectional Discrimination, and Suicidal Thoughts

Suicide is a serious and growing concern in South Korean adolescents. Poly-victimization (i.e., having experienced multiple types of victimization) is a risk factor for increased levels of suicidal ideation (SI) among adolescents. The current study examined the interactive effects of sexual victimization and intersectional discrimination on SI using a national sample of Korean adolescents. Moderation analysis showed that intersectional discrimination moderated the relationship between sexual violence and SI. Specifically, the relationship between sexual victimization and SI was significant and positive in low (−1 SD ), medium (mean), and high (+1 SD ) levels of intersectional discrimination. In addition, the results indicated that adolescents who experienced sexual victimization in the past year and experienced high levels of intersectional discrimination had the highest chance of experiencing frequent SI. However, the significant negative interaction results suggest that the difference in SI in those who experienced sexual victimization in the past year and those who did not appeared smaller at higher levels of intersectional discrimination. These findings highlight the complexity of poly-victimization and the importance of the need for more nuanced approaches in mental health interventions for individuals affected by multiple forms of victimization.