Suicidal Ideation among University Students: A Moderated Mediation Model Considering Attachment, Personality, and Sex

Abstract

The present study aimed to examine the link between attachment, personality traits, and suicidal ideation with consideration of the potential moderating role of age and sex. The Suicidal History Self-Rating Screening Scale, the Personality Inventory for DSM-5-Brief Form, and the Attachment Style Questionnaire were administered to 183 students. There was a significant indirect effect of need for approval on suicidal ideation via detachment. Moreover, the moderated mediation models of need for approval and preoccupation with relationships on suicidality via negative affectivity were significant in men, but not women, whereas the moderated mediation model of need for approval on suicidality via detachment was significant in women, but not men. Young men and women seem at risk for increased suicidal ideation based on specific attachment and personality characteristics, which should be considered for the development of prevention and therapeutic interventions.

Suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among students aged 12 to 24 after the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions in China: prevalence and associated factors

“…Young students need to develop a stable adult identity, harmonious interpersonal relationships and capabilities to confront and act on reality ( 50 ). If students can develop these capabilities, they may appropriately adjust to personal crises and reduce their risk of suicidal behavior ( 50 ).…”

Love Relationship Satisfaction, Love Styles and Suicidal Ideation Among University Students

“…According to Choi et al (2017), the primary factor that contributes to someone committing suicide has been identified as suicidal ideation. Suicidality is mainly associated with interpersonal affairs, which include broken love relationships (Bantjes et al, 2019;Granieri et al, 2022;Jannath et al, 2022;Urme et al, 2022). Suicidal conduct is triggered by unfavourable internal experiences like self-perception and negative external experiences like the environment, especially the circumstances.…”

“…Some of them did decide to end their life for unknown reasons at some point. Among other the reasons for suicide attempts involving university students were love problems such as love affairs and love disappointment (Granieri et al, 2022;Jannath et al, 2022;Urme et al, 2022;Bantjes et al, 2019). Hamidin and Maniam (2011) also stated that one of the most commonly reported threatening life events prior to a suicide attempt is breaking off a steady relationship.…”

Psychological Interventions for Higher Education Students in Europe: A Systematic Literature Review

“…The increasing demand for such services can be connected to the current increase in symptom severity among college counseling center patients [32][33][34][35] and the COVID-19 pandemic, which triggered fears and anxieties worldwide and an increase in the frequency and severity of mental health problems in the general population [36][37][38][39]. The pandemic has had a great impact on students' lives, mainly due to the closure of universities and the suspension of face-to-face classes [40].…”