Associations of Physical Activity, Digital Addiction, and Violence Victimization on Suicidal Behaviors among Adolescents: A Secondary Data Analysis of the National Mental Health Survey of Korea - Child & Adolescent 2022

Abstract

Purpose: This study examined the associations of physical activity, digital addiction, and violence victimization with suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and non-suicidal self-injury(NSSI) among Korean adolescents.Methods: This cross-sectional study was a secondary analysis of the National Mental Health Survey of Korea - Child & Adolescent 2022, and 2,639 adolescents were included. Complex samples multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).Results: Gaming addiction was significantly associated with suicidal ideation (OR=2.10, 95% CI=1.26~3.50) and NSSI (OR=2.52, 95% CI=1.09~5.83), and school violence victimization was associated with both suicidal ideation (OR=2.24, 95% CI=1.27~3.97) and NSSI (OR=2.90, 95% CI=1.29~6.52). Cyberbullying victimization was associated with suicidal ideation alone (OR=2.12, 95% CI= 1.21~3.71), whereas smartphone addiction was associated with NSSI alone (OR=2.02, 95% CI=1.06~3.86). No factor showed a statistically significant independent association with suicide attempts.Conclusion: These findings suggest that adolescent suicide prevention should move beyond uniform approaches and incorporate symptom-tailored psychosocial interventions matched to specific types of digital media use and violence exposure.