Relationship between trait neuroticism and suicidal ideation among postpartum women in China: Testing a mediation model

J Affect Disord. 2019 Sep 1:256:532-535. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2019.06.030. Epub 2019 Jun 29.

Abstract

Background: Suicidal ideation is a common phenomenon among postpartum women around the world. However, evidence of the relationship between neuroticism and suicidal ideation among postpartum women is still lacking.

Methods: From March 2017 to December 2018, a total of 1027 postpartum women (assessed no later than one month post-birth) were recruited to complete questionnaires assessing neuroticism, depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation.

Results: Anxiety and depression fully mediated the association between neuroticism and suicidal ideation (Total indirect effects = 0.11, 95%CI: 0.07, 0.15). The indirect effect of the pathway of EPQ (Neuroticism)-Anxiety-Suicidal ideation was more significant than other pathways (Indirect effects=0.04, 95%CI: 0.02, 0.07).

Conclusion: Interventions for suicidal ideation in postpartum women need to target neuroticism and further research is necessary understand the mechanisms by which neuroticism affects suicidal ideation.

Keywords: Anxiety; Depression; Mediation model; Neuroticism; Suicidal ideation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anxiety Disorders
  • China
  • Depression
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Neuroticism / physiology*
  • Postpartum Period / psychology*
  • Risk Factors
  • Suicidal Ideation*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires