Effect of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Impulsivity, and Self-Disgust on Suicidal Behavior in Young Adult Women Nursing Implications

Purpose: Suicide rates among young adult women in South Korea are increasing, yet prevention programs often overlook complex psychological factors influencing suicide risk. The current study examined the impact of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), impulsivity, and self-disgust on suicidal behavior in this population. Method: Using a descriptive, cross-sectional design, 233 community-dwelling young women from eight South Korean regions participated. Data were collected from September to October 2024 through validated self-report measures assessing demographic characteristics, PTSD, impulsivity, self-disgust, and suicidal behavior. Analyses included descriptive statistics, t tests, analysis of variance, Pearson's correlation, and multiple regression. Results: Regression analysis showed that PTSD (β = 0.17, p = .003), impulsivity (β = 0.14, p = .011), and self-disgust (β = 0.34, p < .001) significantly predicted suicidal behavior. The model explained 44.6% of the variance ( F = 16.2, p < .001). Conclusion: PTSD, impulsivity, and self-disgust are key factors contributing to suicidal behavior in South Korean young women. Findings highlight the need for trauma-informed, stigma-free nursing education and practice, and further research to develop targeted, culturally sensitive suicide prevention.