The relationship between neuroticism and suicidal thoughts among medical students: Moderating role of attachment styles

Abstract

Aim: The present study strives to find an experimental response to these questions: “Is the relationship between neuroticism and suicidal thoughts a simple relationship? Or are there other psychopathological variables such as attachment styles that also affect it?” Subjects and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 376 medical students were selected from the three major cities of Iran using multi-stage sampling method from July 2018 to September 2018 and were evaluated using the demographic information questionnaire, Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation (BSSI), the Revised NEO Personality Inventory (NEO-FFI), and the Adult Attachment Questionnaire (AAQ). Results: The overall prevalence of having suicidal thoughts among Iranian medical students was 17%. Moreover, the prevalence of suicide among the female, widowed, separated, and divorced students was higher than others. There was also a significant correlation between suicidal thoughts, gender, relational status, neuroticism, avoidant insecure attachment style, secure attachment style, and anxious/ambivalent insecure attachment style. Additionally, the attachment styles have a moderating role in the relationship between neuroticism and suicidal thoughts. Conclusion: Based on the current study, it is concluded that despite the presence of neuroticism in medical students, the attachment styles can reduce the risk of suicide as moderator variables. Hence, attachment styles can be considered a potential treatment goal in the prevention of suicide.

Association Between Hopelessness And Suicidal Ideation In Iranian Medical Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…ings as they reported 17% of Iranian medical students. 20 Although there is a need for further studies, it seems that the learning environment and universities are not major contributing factors for suicidal ideation among Iranian medical students. Mohammadinia ideation among nursing, midwifery, and medical emergency students of Zahedan University of medical sciences.…”

“…19 In a study on medical students of Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, 17% of medical students had suicidal ideation, which is relatively high. 20 Also, 7.2% of medical students had high-risk suicidal ideation, which is concerning. 20 To summarize, the suicidal rate is higher among medical students and physicians compared to the general population.…”

“…20 Also, 7.2% of medical students had high-risk suicidal ideation, which is concerning. 20 To summarize, the suicidal rate is higher among medical students and physicians compared to the general population. As suicidal ideation is a risk factor for a suicidal attempt, it is important to identify people with suicidal ideation as they may benefit from psychological services.…”

The prevalence of suicide ideation and predictive factors among pregnant women in the third trimester

“…Insecure attachment may increase the impact of stressful life events on individuals, leading to the emergence of pathological psychology [ 23 ]. A study involving medical students showed that attachment style can be used as a variable to regulate suicidal thoughts [ 24 ] and insecure attachment linked to increased risk of suicide [ 25 ].…”

Borderline Personality Symptoms: What Not to Be Overlooked When Approaching Suicidal Ideation among University Students

“…One important factor, related to suicidal ideation, is childhood history of abuse and maltreatment [16,[27][28][29][30]. This factor is fundamentally associated with borderline personality disorder (BPD) in older age [31].…”