Social Psychology Research

Abstract Introduction: Traumatic experiences in childhood have irreparable effects on the adult mind and are associated with suicidal thoughts. The aim of the present study was to investigate the mediating role of emotion regulation and suicide crisis syndrome in the relationship between emotional beliefs and suicidal ideation among adults with a history of childhood adversity.
Method: The research employed a descriptive-correlational design using serial path analysis. The statistical population consisted of all adults in Semnan with a history of childhood adversity, from which 320 participants were selected through purposive sampling. The instruments used in this study included questionnaires on childhood trauma, suicidal ideation, beliefs about emotions, emotion regulation, and suicide crisis syndrome. Path analysis was used to analyze the proposed research model.
Results: The findings showed that emotional beliefs had a direct and significant effect on suicidal ideation. Furthermore, emotional beliefs were related to suicidal ideation through the serial mediating roles of emotion regulation and suicide crisis syndrome (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: According to the results, negative beliefs about emotions were associated with greater emotional suppression and lower reappraisal ability, which in turn were associated with higher suicide crisis syndrome and ultimately with greater suicide risk. By understanding and gaining insight into the cycle of suicidal thoughts—particularly the mediating factors—it is possible to design and implement educational, preventive, and therapeutic programs to prevent suicidal tendencies and reduce the prevalence of suicidal ideation.