Suicidality among Chinese college students: A cross-sectional study across seven provinces

Abstract

Background Although the suicide rate in China has decreased over the past 20 years, there have been reports that the younger age group has been experiencing an increased incidence of completed suicide. Given that undergraduate groups are at higher risks of suicidality, it is important to monitor and screen for risk factors for suicidal ideation and behaviors to ensure their well-being. Objective To examine the risk and protective factors contributing to suicidality among undergraduate college students in seven provinces in China. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 13,387 college students from seven universities in Ningxia, Shandong, Shanghai, Jilin, Qinghai, Shaanxi, and Xinjiang. Data were collected using self-report questionnaires. Results Higher scores in the psychological strain, depression, anxiety, stress, and psychache (psychological risk factors for suicidality) and lower scores in self-esteem and purpose in life (psychological protective factors against suicidality) were associated with increased suicidality among undergraduate students in China. Demographic factors which were associated with higher risks of suicidality were female gender, younger age, bad academic results,

Associations between Suicidal Ideation and Relatives’ Physical and Mental Health among Community Residents: Differences between Family Members and Lineal Consanguinity

“…Previous studies also indicated that the prevalence of suicidal ideation in the middle-aged and elderly group was associated with loneliness, household financial problems, and poor perceived health [ 84 , 85 ]. This study also revealed that the prevalence of suicidal ideation was higher in people from only-child families, which was consistent with a previous result [ 86 ]. Experts explained that elderly people from rural areas, with a lack of pension provision and children, generally had a sense of responsibility to their parents, which resulted in an increase in the stress of life as an only child [ 87 ].…”

Investigating prolonged social withdrawal behaviour as a risk factor for self-harm and suicidal behaviours

“…The measures consisted of sociodemographic information, selfharm, suicidal behaviour and social withdrawal behaviour, and were used to examine the association between prolonged social withdrawal behaviour and self-harm and suicidal behaviour. We also included the psychological protective factors and mental health-related risk factors, which were adopted in recent research of suicidality among Chinese university students, 22,23 to further examine the association after controlling relevant protective and risks factors.…”

Understanding Suicidal Behavior Using a Comprehensive Approach

“…The SBQ-R, developed by Osman et al (2001) has four items for evaluating previous and future suicidal thoughts and behaviors: the presence and frequency of previous of suicidal ideation and attempts, communication of suicidal thoughts to others, and how likely is a future suicidal attempt. The SBQ-R has shown high internal consistency in various samples (e.g., Aloba et al, 2017; Amini-Tehrani et al, 2020; Glaesmer et al, 2018; Gómez-Romero et al, 2021; Lew et al, 2020; Osman et al, 2001). In the present study, the intention to die was assessed by the SBQ-R.…”