Predictive Factors of Suicidal Ideation in Spanish University Students: A Health, Preventive, Social, and Cultural Approach

Abstract

Suicide, as the ultimate expression of suicidal ideation, has accompanied human beings throughout history within specific social and cultural contexts. However, in recent decades the increase in suicides, especially in developed countries after the Second Demographic Transition and the rise of postmaterialist values, has been increasing in the youth population. This study is created from a quantitative perspective and aims to determine the predictors of suicidal ideation in university students in Spain. The fieldwork was carried out in a large sample of Spanish universities over several weeks in 2022, with the participation of hundreds of university students (n = 1472). The predictors of suicidal ideation were gender, types of social relationships, history of bullying, health status, taking antidepressant medication, increased anxiety after COVID-19, economic difficulties in continuing studies, and perspective on their future. The results highlight the need for the greater involvement of universities by establishing programs for preventing, detecting, and treating suicidal ideation, always in coordination with health systems to prevent further suicides in their university community.

Depression and Its Associated Factors among Undergraduate Engineering Students: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Thailand

“…Social skill training should be promoted, especially for those who lack interpersonal skills. A more comprehensive approach should be established to enhance early detection and intervention for mental health problems among university students [ 72 ]. Universities should implement prevention and early intervention programs through their healthcare facilities.…”

Socially Aware Synthetic Data Generation for Suicidal Ideation Detection Using Large Language Models

“…Financial Crisis: Financial difficulties and crises have been consistently linked to suicidal ideation. Economic stressors, such as debt, unemployment, and financial insecurity, can contribute to psychological distress and an increased risk of suicidal thoughts [48].…”

“…Bullying: Bullying, including physical, verbal, or cyberbullying, has consistently emerged as a significant topic related to suicidal ideation. The experience of bullying can lead to social isolation, low self-esteem, and emotional distress, contributing to the development of suicidal thoughts [48].…”

Mental Health Conditions and Suicide Risk Among Costa Rican University Students

“…Se reconoce que las conductas suicidas están influenciadas por múltiples factores relacionados a la salud, la sociedad y al ambiente que podrían afectar a cualquier persona indiscriminadamente, pero con más incidencia en aquellas con una edad entre 15 y 29 años, rango etario en el que se concentra la población universitaria 2 . El estudiantado universitario vivencia una etapa de la vida llena de transformaciones dificultosas a nivel personal, interpersonal y académica.…”

“…El apoyo social entonces se convierte como un factor protector de la salud mental que podría tener un impacto en una mejor transición a esta etapa y por ende en la disminución de las condiciones de salud mental antes mencionadas: la depresión, la ansiedad y el riesgo suicida 8 . Además, al examinar las actitudes desde la identidad de género podrían aumentar significativamente la susceptibilidad a actos lesivos con la intención de morir (riesgo de suicidio), al igual que condiciones de salud mental adversas como el bajo apoyo social, la depresión o la ansiedad 2 . En ese sentido, las expectativas tradicionales de la masculinidad se ligarían a factores significativos para el riesgo de suicidio en hombres como los síntomas de depresión y la impulsividad 9 .…”