The relationship between suicidal ideation and eating disorders in the context of violence experiences

Abstract

Background: Suicidal ideation and eating disorders (EDs) are significant mental health concerns that can have devastating consequences and both cases were independently associated with violence experiences. The purpose was to investigate the relationship between suicidal ideation and eating disorders within the context of violence experiences.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 935 participants aged 18-40. Sociodemographic questionnaire, the Suicide Probability Scale (SPS), the Eating Disorder Evaluation Scale short form (EDE-Q-13) and the Violence Experiences Questionnaire-Revised (VEQ-R) were the data collection instruments.

Results: 50.6% of the participants were male, 56.5% were single and the mean age was 29.46 ± 5.96 years. As the educational and economic status of the participants increased, SPS median scores also increased significantly. Higher SPS median scores were found in single, smoking, and substance-using participants. Females, overweight, and obese participants scored significantly higher on the EDE-Q-13. Lower economic status, smoking, and substance use were associated with higher VEQ-R median scores. EDs, suicidal ideation, and experiences of violence showed a significant, albeit weak, positive relationship. In multiple regression analysis, both violence experiences and EDs influenced suicide probability. The median EDE-Q-13 score was higher in participants with divorced parents or a family history of chronic disease. The median VEQ-R score was higher in individuals with divorced parents, a family history of chronic disease, or deceased parents or fathers.

Conclusions: Our results suggest that various forms of childhood violence are linked to both EDs and suicidal thoughts. Furthermore, the correlation between EDs and suicidal ideation may exist independently of childhood violence.

Keywords: Eating disorders; Suicidal ideation; Suicide; Violence.