Childhood physical abuse and suicide-related behavior: A systematic review

Childhood physical abuse is associated with suicide-related behavior. We investigate how shared environment with perpetrator(s) identified as a family member or parent/parental figure or an adult at home contribute to this association. This systematic review of school- and population-based studies in children and youth reports on five relevant studies. The association was statistically significant in each study, and when examined the association was independent of childhood sexual abuse and other factors. Childhood physical abuse may translate into suicide-related behavior through mechanisms unique from childhood sexual abuse. Future research is needed to strengthen causal inferences to inform the prevention of suicide-related behavior.