SFTC24: Adverse Childhood Experiences Linked to Suicidal Behaviors Among Emerging Adults in Kenyan Universities

SFTC24: Adverse Childhood Experiences Linked to Suicidal Behaviors Among Emerging Adults in Kenyan Universities
CE: 1.00
Speaker: Marion Kirumba Mutwiri PhD, MFT

A healthy and trauma free childhood is associated with positive adjustment in emerging adulthood. On the contrary, adverse childhood experiences are a risk factor for behavior, relationship, and mental health problems at this stage of life. The influence of adverse childhood experiences on suicidal behaviors (suicidal thinking, planning, attempts and self-harm) is under explored in the African context especially in Kenya. In the face of increasing rates of suicidal behaviors among emerging adults in the university, the question remains on how prepared emerging adults are to deal with personal, relational and academic problems. Childhood years are meant to be formative years for physical, cognitive, affective, relational and spiritual development. Emerging adulthood is the stage a transitional stage characterized by differentiation of self from the family of origin towards establishing personal values, career path and intimate relationships.

Adverse childhood experiences interferes with a child’s cognitive development, the formation of a healthy self-esteem, and impairment in emotional regulation associated with low tolerance to problems thus a risk of engaging in suicidal behaviors. Adverse childhood experiences do not automatically predispose a child to suicidal behaviors in emerging adults, but it is the ability of the family to respond positively and empathically in support for the child. Families that perpetuate abuse, keep abuse secret, is unstable, inflexible, non-responsive and has weak relationships nurture ill prepared emerging adults to deal with life’s challenges. However, loving and supportive families nurture resilience and equip their offspring's to deal with problems constructively without engaging in suicidal behaviors. This because they learn resilience in the family as they observe parents respond to stressful life events in ways that: cultivated positive beliefs, adjust well to change, solved the problem, and communicated congruently in crisis. Therefore, adverse childhood experiences that were poorly handled in the family is a risk factor for suicidal behaviors in emerging adulthood. Furthermore, the collective African culture that held children as parents’ property sets up the grounds for abuse and silence in face of adverse childhood experiences. The culture assume that what children experienced in childhood is forgotten as they mature and it has no impact on their health in adulthood.

These beliefs are held in the backdrop of a culture that undermines psychological and mental health issues in generally; especially in children and the youth. This study was conducted to provide empirical association between adverse childhood experiences and suicidal behaviors among emerging adults. The conclusions have inform parents and families on the need to prevent and address adverse childhood experiences to avoid suicidal behaviors later in their children’s lives. In addition, these conclusions calls for university counselors to consider assessing and intervening for adverse childhood experiences in emerging adults presenting with suicidal behaviors in therapy.

**Disclaimer: Please note that this recording is from an in-person conference session, and there may be moments where the speaker is momentarily out of view or not fully visible on screen. Due to technical limitations or the nature of live events, there may be inconsistencies in the camera framing or transitions. Please also note that some of the audience questions may be difficult to hear due to the nature of the live event set up. We appreciate your understanding and patience as you watch this session.
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