Researchers from the Australian Federal University found that difficult life circumstances in childhood are associated with the development of “dark” personality traits that trigger suicidal behavior. To work published In the journal Personality and Individual Differences.
Difficult life circumstances in childhood include various forms of abuse or neglect by a parent. As previous studies have shown, they are closely related to the development of personality traits of the dark triad (Machiavellianism, narcissism, psychopathy).
The study’s authors hypothesized that these traits are associated with suicidal tendencies. Researchers recruited 1,064 participants who completed a questionnaire to assess the severity of “dark” personality traits, suicide risk, and childhood trauma. Results showed that 40% had attempted suicide at least once. These people scored high on narcissism and psychopathy scales.
“Our study shows that childhood adversity contributes to increased risk of suicide through the development of negative personality traits. However, the severity of these aspects of personality and the risk of suicide decrease with age,” he said.