The mediating role of tolerance for psychological pain in the relationship between different types of childhood traumatic experiences and suicidal ideation.

Abstract

The aim of the present research was to evaluate the mediating effects of facets of the tolerance for psychological pain on the relationship between childhood trauma and suicidal ideation. A sample of 437 community individuals and a sample of 316 college students participated. For the community sample, managing the pain mediated the relationship between childhood trauma, the different types of traumatic experiences and suicidal ideation. In the college sample, managing the pain and enduring the pain mediated the relationship between childhood trauma, the different types of traumatic experiences and suicidal ideation, except for the case of sexual abuse. The present results have potential clinical implications. Mental health professionals should be aware of the long-term consequences of exposure to childhood trauma and need to assess the ability to tolerate psychological pain so as to implement appropriate psychological interventions that help individuals cope with their pain.