The Relationship Between Suicide Ideation, Behavioral Health, and College Academic Performance

Abstract

The impact of suicidal ideation on college students' academic performance has yet to be examined, yet mental health is often linked with academic performance. Underclassmen and upperclassmen were compared on behavioral health outcomes related to academic success (N = 26,457). Ideation (b = -0.05, p < .05), increased mental health (b = -0.03, p < .01) or substance use severity (b = -0.02, p < .01) was associated with lower GPAs. Underclassmen's behavioral health severity was related to lower GPA. Students reported higher GPAs when participating in extracurricular activities during the past year. Ideation, beyond mental health, is an important when assessing academic performance. Increasing students' connections benefits students experiencing behavioral concerns but also aids in suicide prevention initiatives and improves academic outcomes. Creating integrated health care systems on campus where physical, mental health and academic support services is crucial to offer solutions for students with severe or co-morbid mental health histories.

Suicidal thoughts and behaviors among college students and same-aged peers: results from the World Health Organization World Mental Health Surveys

“…Indeed, rates of STB with onset prior to age 18 were high, and were associated with both the inability to enter college as well as with attrition from college. These findings are in line with previous research on selection effects at college entrance due to adverse mental health [14,15] but also on the negative association between STB and academic performance during college [16,17]. Importantly, we could not find support for a direct protective effect of the college environment on STB, as rates of post-matriculation STB did not significantly differ between students and attriters.…”

The Relationship Between Suicide Ideation, Behavioral Health, and College Academic Performance

“…Now, more than ever, students experiencing various mental health conditions are enrolling in higher education. Suicide ideation, depression, substance use, and anxiety are among the most common conditions seen today in the college setting (De Luca, Franklin, Yueqi, Johnson, & Brownson, 2016). Furthermore, these authors cite data from the National Alliance on Mental Illness that as many as 73% of students with a behavioral health condition will experience some sort of mental health crisis prior to college graduation.…”

Mental health problems in college freshmen: Prevalence and academic functioning

“…Studies that investigate the association between mental health distress and academic performance in college are much scarcer. Most evidence exists for the finding that depression and suicidal thoughts and behaviours are related to a lower grade point average (De Luca et al, 2016; Mortier et al, 2015; Hysenbergasi et al, 2009; Andrews & Wilding, 2009). In addition, most studies focus on the impact of just one disorder (e.g.…”