Associations Between Financial Fraud Victimization and Depressive Symptoms, Loneliness, and Suicidality Among Young Adults in Taiwan: Moderating Effects of Working Memory and Inhibitory Control Deficits

Background: Most studies on financial fraud have focused on older adults. The experiences of financial fraud victimization and their associations with mental health problems among young adults warrant further investigation. The present study examined the associations between financial fraud victimization and depressive symptoms, loneliness, and suicidality, as well as the moderating effects of working memory and inhibitory control deficits on these associations in young adults. Methods: A total of 1764 young adults (839 financial fraud victims and 925 nonvictims) participated in this web-based survey. 11 types of financial fraud victimization, depressive symptoms, loneliness, suicidality, and deficits in working memory and inhibitory control, were assessed. Associations between financial fraud victimization and depressive symptoms, loneliness, and suicidality, as along with the moderating effects of working memory and inhibitory control deficits on these associations, were examined using multiple linear and logistic regression. Results: Financial fraud victimization was positively and significantly associated with the severities of depressive symptoms, loneliness, and the risk of suicidality. The associations between financial fraud victimization with depressive symptoms and loneliness were stronger at higher levels of inhibitory control deficits, whereas the association with depressive symptoms was weaker at higher levels of working memory deficits. Conclusions: Financial fraud victimization was significantly correlated with depressive symptoms, loneliness, and suicidality among young adults. Working memory and inhibitory control deficits moderated the associations between financial fraud victimization and depressive symptoms and loneliness.