Association of birth order with adolescent mental health and suicide attempts: a population-based longitudinal study

Kayleigh Easey*, Becky Mars, Rebecca Pearson, Jon Heron, David Gunnell

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticle (Academic Journal)peer-review

22 Citations (Scopus)
1035 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Previous cohort studies have observed higher birth order to be associated with increased risk of suicidal behaviour. However, the mechanisms underlying this association are unclear. Using data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), we used multivariable logistic regression models and mediation analysis to investigate the associations of birth order with adolescent suicide attempts and psychiatric disorder. We investigated whether the number of maternal depressive episodes and father absence mediated the associations found. In fully adjusted models (n = 2571), higher birth order was associated with an increased risk of both suicide attempts (OR = 1.42, CI = 1.10–1.84) and psychiatric disorder (OR = 1.29, CI = 0.99–1.69). Maternal depression and father absence only partially mediated (8%; 12%) these associations. Whilst maternal depression and paternal absence partially mediated the associations between birth order, and suicidal behaviour and psychiatric disorder, other pathways may account for much of these associations. Future studies should investigate alternative mediating pathways.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1079-1086
Number of pages8
JournalEuropean Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Volume28
Issue number8
Early online date2 Jan 2019
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Aug 2019

Research Groups and Themes

  • Physical and Mental Health
  • ALSPAC
  • SASH

Keywords

  • ALSPAC
  • Mental health
  • Suicidal behaviour
  • Birth order

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  • NIHR BRC Mental Health

    Gunnell, D. J. (Principal Investigator)

    1/04/1731/03/22

    Project: Research, Parent

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