Sexual Dating Violence and Suicide Risk: Sequential Mediating Effects of Negative Affect and Coping Strategies in Young Women in Latin America and Spain

Abstract

Sexual dating violence (SDV) is a global issue affecting young women, increasing health risks, including suicide. This study analyzes the relationship between SDV and suicide risk (SR) in 1,239 women aged 18–28 from Chile, Colombia, and Spain, using a cross-sectional, cross-cultural design. Prevalence ranged from 34.9% (Spain) to 50.3% (Chile). Victimization was linked to negative affect, social isolation, emotional suppression, and SR. A direct effect of sexual violence on SR was found only in Spain. Indirect effects varied, with mediators including negative affect, social isolation (Chile, Colombia), and emotional suppression (Spain). Cultural contexts significantly shape these dynamics.

Keywords

sexual dating violence coping strategies risk of suicide young women

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