Abstract

The study aimed to determine whether poverty-related cumulative risk, which includes various risk factors associated with poverty, can predict suicidal behavior in young adults during early adulthood. We also examined how non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and the acquired capability for suicide play a sequential mediating role in this process. We recruited a total of 544 adults (302 females, 242 males) whose household income in 2022 was below 60% of the Korean base median income. Participants completed online self-report questionnaires that assessed poverty-related cumulative risk, including household income, educational attainment, occupational status, housing environment, family conflict, and social support. Additionally, participants provided information on NSSI, the acquired capability, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts. We analyzed the data using hierarchical regression and the SPSS Process Macro. The results showed that poverty-related cumulative risk significantly predicted suicidal behavior, and this association was sequentially mediated by NSSI and the acquired capability for suicide. This study contributes to the literature by revealing the underlying mechanisms through which multidimensional poverty can influence suicidal behavior and highlights NSSI and the acquired capability for suicide as potential targets for intervention.