Childhood trauma and suicidal ideation in female prisoners: serial mediation via intolerance of uncertainty and emotional problems

Introduction

Given the high risk of suicide among female prisoners, investigating the internal risk factors and pathways associated with suicidal ideation holds substantial clinical and practical significance. Childhood trauma, a critical distal risk factor, is closely associated with suicidal behavior. However, the specific cognitive and affective mechanisms through which childhood trauma links to suicidal ideation remain underexplored. Drawing on Emotion Dysregulation Theory and related research, this study constructed a serial mediation model to explore the relationship between childhood trauma and suicidal ideation in female prisoners, as well as the mediating roles of intolerance of uncertainty and emotional problems.