Relações parentais, crise desenvolvimental e comportamento suicida na adultez emergente

Abstract

Emerging adulthood is a stage of the life cycle marked by intense emotional, social, and identity transformations. In this context, experiences such as family conflict, uncertainty about the future, and emotional instability may configure a developmental crisis. This study aimed to investigate parental relationships, developmental crisis, and suicidal behavior among emerging adults living in the interior regions of Bahia, Brazil. The sample consisted of 163 individuals aged between 18 and 29 years, of all genders, with diversity in gender identity, sexual orientation, education level, and place of residence (urban and rural areas). Data were collected between November 2024 and March 2025 using the Google Forms platform, through both in-person and online approaches. The data were analyzed using the SPSS statistical software, applying non-parametric tests and binary logistic regressions. The results indicated a significant association between being in a developmental crisis and presenting symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress. Low levels of parental support were significantly associated with the presence of crisis and self-injurious behavior. Participants with non-cisgender identities and non-heterosexual orientations reported higher levels of emotional distress and suicidal behavior, highlighting the negative effects of social stigma on the mental health of these subgroups. The study underscores the importance of parental support for the mental health of emerging adults, contributing to the advancement of the literature on developmental crisis and informing public policies that value social support, inclusion, and diversity, thereby promoting more equitable and context-sensitive interventions in Brazil.