The longitudinal association between cognitive control capacities, suicidality, and depression during late adolescence and young adulthood

This study examined the association between cognitive control capacities, suicidal thoughts and attempts, and depressive symptoms during late adolescence and young adulthood. The sample included 4192 participants (55.5% female) from the United States who participated in Waves III (2001-2002; respondent age 18-26 years) and IV (2007-2008; respondent age 24-33 years) of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Suicidality in late adolescence predicted depressive symptoms in young adulthood. Depressive symptoms were not predictive of later suicide ideation nor attempts. Working memory was associated with lower depressive symptoms. Higher verbal ability was associated with more suicidal thoughts but not attempts. Internal locus of control was associated with decreased depressive symptoms and suicidal thoughts/attempts in young adulthood. Findings suggest that cognitive control capacities developed in adolescence differentially predict depressive symptoms, suicidal thoughts, and suicide attempts in young adulthood.