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Moskow DM, Lipson SK, Tompson MC. Anxiety and suicidality in the college student population. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2024; 72:881-888. [PMID: 35427461 PMCID: PMC9568619 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2022.2060042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Objective: This study examined symptoms of anxiety, depression and suicidality in a national sample of college students. Participants: Using national survey data from the Healthy Minds Study (HMS), a random sample from 184 U.S. campuses from fall 2016 to spring 2019 was analyzed (N = 119,875). Methods: Prevalence rates were examined with the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-Item scale, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and suicidality questions. Relationships between anxiety, depression and suicidality were assessed through Spearman's correlations, the Kruskal-Wallis H test and logistic regressions. Results: Findings revealed that screening only for depression would pick up 23% of suicidal ideation, increasing to 35% when also screening for anxiety. Those with anxiety and no to minimal depression had the second highest likelihood of suicide attempt, following those with anxiety and depression. The symptom "feeling afraid something awful might happen" doubled the odds of suicidal ideation. Conclusions: College campuses may benefit from assessing particular anxiety symptoms in relation to suicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle M. Moskow
- 900 Commonwealth Ave, Boston University, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston, MA 02215
| | - Sarah K. Lipson
- 715 Albany St, Boston University, School of Public Health, Department of Health Law Policy and Management, Boston, MA 02118
| | - Martha C. Tompson
- 900 Commonwealth Ave, Boston University, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston, MA 02215
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Keefe KM, Hetzel-Riggin MD, Sunami N. The Mediating Roles of Hostility and Dissociation in the Relationship Between Sexual Assault and Suicidal Thinking in College Students. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2020; 35:1635-1653. [PMID: 29294684 DOI: 10.1177/0886260517698282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Sexual assault and suicide are two serious public health concerns. Research has documented the relationship between sexual assault and suicidal thinking and attempts; however, limited research explores the more multifaceted relationships between posttraumatic stress reactions and suicidal ideation in college students through unsuccessful modulation of emotion. The authors hypothesized a mediation model where the relationship between sexual assault and suicidal ideation is mediated by dissociation and hostility. In total, 1,677 undergraduate students were administered modified versions of the Traumatic Life Events Questionnaire (TLEQ), Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R), and Peritraumatic Dissociative Experiences Questionnaire (PDEQ). The results revealed both significant partial but equal mediators of hostility and dissociation. However, a portion of the direct effect between sexual assault and suicidal ideation remained unaccounted for by indirect effects. The current model supports previous work on dialectical behavior therapy that says either side of the dialectic between extreme expression and suppression of hostility increases the likelihood of suicidal thinking after sexual assault. With sexual assault survivors, practitioners should use strategies that emphasize both anger expression and healthy avoidance as a way to modulate emotion to potentially reduce suicidal thoughts. Future research should focus on different gender models, additional possible mediators such as alcohol use and guilt, and different forms of sexual assault. Limitations of the correlational, cross-sectional methodology are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Naoyuki Sunami
- Western Illinois University, Macomb, USA
- University of Delaware, Newark, USA
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Canoy NA, Topacio AMDC. Unhearing Online Suicide Talk: Becoming-Voice through the Use of Maddening Poetic Conversations. JOURNAL OF CONSTRUCTIVIST PSYCHOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/10720537.2020.1727392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nico A. Canoy
- Psychology Department, Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City, Philippines
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Komarov O, Ko LW, Jung TP. Associations Among Emotional State, Sleep Quality, and Resting-State EEG Spectra: A Longitudinal Study in Graduate Students. IEEE Trans Neural Syst Rehabil Eng 2020; 28:795-804. [PMID: 32070988 DOI: 10.1109/tnsre.2020.2972812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
University students are routinely influenced by a variety of natural stressors and experience irregular sleep-wake cycles caused by the necessity to trade sleep for studying while dealing with academic assignments. Often these factors result in long-term issues with daytime sleepiness, emotional instability, and mental exhaustion, which may lead to difficulties in the educational process. This study introduces the Daily Sampling System (DSS) implemented as a smartphone application, which combines a set of self-assessment scales for evaluating variations in the emotional state and sleep quality throughout a full academic term. In addition to submitting the daily sampling scores, the participants regularly filled in the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales (DASS) reports and took part in resting-state EEG data recording immediately after report completion. In total, this study collected 1835 daily samples and 94 combined DASS with EEG datasets from 18 university students (aged 23-27 years), with 79.3± 15.3% response ratio in submitting the daily reports during an academic semester. The results of pairwise testing and multiple regression analysis demonstrate that the daily level of self-perceived fatigue correlates positively with stress, daytime sleepiness, and negatively with alertness on awakening, self-evaluated sleep quality, and sleep duration. The spectral analysis of the EEG data reveals a significant increase in the resting-state spectral power density across the theta and low-alpha frequency bands associated with increased levels of anxiety and stress. Additionally, the state of depression was accompanied by an intensification of high-frequency EEG activity over the temporal regions. No significant differences in prefrontal alpha power asymmetry were observed under the described experimental conditions while comparing the states of calmness and emotional arousal of the participants for the three conditions of depression, anxiety, and stress.
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First-onset and persistence of suicidal ideation in university students: A one-year follow-up study. J Affect Disord 2019; 256:192-204. [PMID: 31177047 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2019.05.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Longitudinal evidence about risk and protective factors for suicidal ideation among university students is limited. METHODS 12-month first-onset and persistence of suicidal ideation (SI) among Spanish first-year university students were estimated using baseline (T1) and 12-month follow-up (T2) online surveys. Information about STBs, childhood/adolescence adversities, positive relationships, mental disorders, recent stressful experiences, and university sense of membership was assessed. Logistic regression analysis was used to study risk/protective factors of first-onset and persistence of suicidal ideation (SI). RESULTS A total of 1,248 respondents (58.9% response) were included. Mean age at baseline was 18.7 (SD = 1.3) and 56.0% were female. 7.3% reported 12-month SI at T2. Incidence of new SI cases was 3.4% and, among students with SI at T1, 21.2% also reported SI at T2 (persistence). Risk factors of T2 SI included 12-month mood disorder at T2 both without (aOR = 12.08 95% CI 5.45-26.80) or with (aOR = 7.2 95% CI 2.91-17.80) lifetime mood at T1, past lifetime suicide attempt (aOR = 8.79 95% CI 2.37-32.64) and plan without attempt (aOR = 4.72 95% CI 2.32-9.61), and 12-month physical or sexual assault (aOR = 3.28 95% CI 1.13-9.46). Twelve-month mood at T2 withoutT1 lifetime mood (aOR = 11.27 95% CI 3.02-42.14) and childhood/adolescence emotional abuse or neglect (aOR = 3.41 95% CI 1.10-10.57) or having been bullied (aOR = 3.2 95% CI 1.08-9.53) were associated with first-onset of SI. Twelve-month mood at T2 either without (aOR = 13.92 95% CI 3.76-51.59) or with (aOR = 8.03 95% CI 2.13-30.29) were associated to T2 SI persistence. University sense of membership was protective for overall 12-month SI at T2 (aOR = 0.25 95% CI 0.12-0.53 for middle tertile), first-onset SI (aOR = 0.1 95% 0.02-0.55 for middle tertile) and persistence (aOR = 0.3 95% CI 0.11-0.81 for middle tertile). LIMITATIONS Analysis was based on self-report data focusing on SI only, and conclusions about the direction of the associations are limited. CONCLUSIONS High proportion of SI suggests the need of suicide prevention strategies. The potential role of university sense of membership in reducing suicidal behaviour among university students deserves further investigation.
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Quarshie EN, Cheataa‐Plange HV, Annor F, Asare‐Doku W, Lartey JKS. Prevalence of suicidal behaviour among nursing and midwifery college students in Ghana. Nurs Open 2019; 6:897-906. [PMID: 31367413 PMCID: PMC6650678 DOI: 10.1002/nop2.271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2018] [Revised: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To provide exploratory and descriptive evidence on the prevalence estimate and some demographic correlates of suicidal behaviour among nursing and midwifery college students in Ghana. DESIGN We used a cross-sectional survey design. METHOD An anonymous survey involving a randomly selected sample of 305 nursing and midwifery college students was conducted in March-May 2017. The Suicide Behavior Questionnaire-Revised was used to assess suicidal behaviour (i.e., ideation, planning, threat and attempt) and suicidal behaviour risk. RESULTS The lifetime prevalence of suicide ideations (15.4%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.11-0.20), plans (6.6%; 95% CI = 0.04-0.10), attempts (2.3%; 95% CI = 0.01-0.05), threats (13.4%; 95% CI = 0.10-0.18) and 12-month prevalence of ideations (21.3%; 95% CI = 0.17-0.26) are comparable to estimates found in both high-income and low- and middle-income countries. However, associations between the demographic variables studied and suicidal behaviour risk were not statistically significant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Nii‐Boye Quarshie
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of GhanaLegonGhana
- Centre for Suicide and Violence Research (CSVR)AccraGhana
- School of PsychologyUniversity of LeedsLeedsUK
| | | | - Francis Annor
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of GhanaLegonGhana
- Centre for Suicide and Violence Research (CSVR)AccraGhana
| | - Winifred Asare‐Doku
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of GhanaLegonGhana
- Centre for Suicide and Violence Research (CSVR)AccraGhana
- The University of NewcastleCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
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Keefe KM, Sizemore S, Hammersley J, Sunami N. Recent Sexual Assault and Suicidal Behaviors in College Students: The Moderating Role of Anger. JOURNAL OF COLLEGE COUNSELING 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/jocc.12090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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Hielscher E, DeVylder JE, Saha S, Connell M, Scott JG. Why are psychotic experiences associated with self-injurious thoughts and behaviours? A systematic review and critical appraisal of potential confounding and mediating factors. Psychol Med 2018; 48:1410-1426. [PMID: 28929996 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291717002677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Psychotic experiences (PEs), including hallucination- and delusion-like experiences, are robustly associated with self-injurious thoughts and behaviours (SITB) in the general population. However, it remains unclear as to why there is an association. The purpose of this systematic review was to elucidate the role of other factors that influence the association between PEs and SITB and, in doing so, highlight potential mechanisms underlying the relationship. A search of electronic international databases was undertaken, including PubMed, PsycINFO and EMBASE, and eligible studies were grouped according to seven confounder categories: sociodemographics, mental disorders, alcohol and substance use, environmental, psychological, intervention and family history/genetic factors. The systematic search strategy identified 41 publications reporting on 1 39 427 participants from 16 different countries. In the majority of studies, where adjustment for other variables occurred, the association between PEs and SITB persisted, suggesting PEs have an independent role. Common mental disorders, psychological distress and negative environmental exposures explained a substantial amount of the variance and therefore need to be considered as potential underlying mechanisms. There was high variability in the variables adjusted for in these studies, and so the question still remains as to whether the association between PEs and self-harm/suicidality can be attributed (fully or in part) to confounding and mediating factors or directly causal mechanisms. Regardless of causality, the now extensive literature reporting an association between these two clinical phenomena supports the broad usefulness of PEs as an indicator of risk for SITB.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Hielscher
- Centre for Clinical Research,Faculty of Medicine,The University of Queensland,Brisbane, QLD,Australia
| | - J E DeVylder
- Graduate School of Social Service,Fordham University,New York, NY,USA
| | - S Saha
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research (QCMHR),The Park Centre for Mental Health,Brisbane, QLD,Australia
| | - M Connell
- Centre for Clinical Research,Faculty of Medicine,The University of Queensland,Brisbane, QLD,Australia
| | - J G Scott
- Centre for Clinical Research,Faculty of Medicine,The University of Queensland,Brisbane, QLD,Australia
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Akkaya-Kalayci T, Kapusta ND, Winkler D, Kothgassner OD, Popow C, Özlü-Erkilic Z. Triggers for attempted suicide in Istanbul youth, with special reference to their socio-demographic background. Int J Psychiatry Clin Pract 2018; 22:95-100. [PMID: 28899223 DOI: 10.1080/13651501.2017.1376100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Suicidal behavior of young people is a topic of utmost importance because suicide is irreversible, and should be prevented. Knowing about the psychosocial background and the triggering events could help in preventing suicidal behavior. We therefore aimed at identifying psychosocial factors that may trigger suicidal behavior in youth. METHODS We analyzed retrospectively the standardized records of 2232 youths aged ≤25 years, who were treated after a suicide attempt at emergency units of public hospitals in Istanbul, Turkey during a period of 1 year. We describe this population according to sex and socio-economic conditions, like educational, occupational, relationship status and link them with their reported reasons for suicide attempts. RESULTS The majority of patients were female (81.6%, N = 1822 females, 18.4%, N = 410 males). Independent of their educational and occupational background, patients indicated most frequently intra-familial problems (females 45.8%, males 30.5%), intrapersonal problems (females 19.9%, males 18.5%), and relationship problems (females 11.3%, males 23.9%) as triggering reasons. CONCLUSIONS Because intra-familial problems were the most frequently reported triggers of suicide attempts, preventive measures should focus on handling intra-familial conflicts. As sex differences were observed for the second-most common trigger-reasons, prevention should also focus on differentially handling intrapersonal and relationship conflicts better.
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Affiliation(s)
- Türkan Akkaya-Kalayci
- a Outpatient Clinic of Transcultural Psychiatry and Migration-Induced Disorders in Childhood and Adolescence, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry , Medical University of Vienna , Vienna , Austria
| | - Nestor D Kapusta
- b Department of Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy , Medical University of Vienna , Vienna , Austria
| | - Dietmar Winkler
- c Department for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Clinical Division of Social Psychiatry , Medical University of Vienna , Vienna , Austria
| | - Oswald D Kothgassner
- d Division of Clinical Psychology , Medical Directorate of the Vienna General Hospital - Medical University Campus , Vienna , Austria.,e Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry , Medical University of Vienna , Vienna , Austria
| | - Christian Popow
- e Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry , Medical University of Vienna , Vienna , Austria
| | - Zeliha Özlü-Erkilic
- a Outpatient Clinic of Transcultural Psychiatry and Migration-Induced Disorders in Childhood and Adolescence, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry , Medical University of Vienna , Vienna , Austria
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10
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Tang F, Byrne M, Qin P. Psychological distress and risk for suicidal behavior among university students in contemporary China. J Affect Disord 2018; 228:101-108. [PMID: 29245090 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2017.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2017] [Revised: 10/25/2017] [Accepted: 12/03/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychological distress and suicidal behavior are important mental health problems among university students and warrant research to inform strategies for effective prevention in this young population. The present study aimed to assess psychological distress and suicidal behavior and to unravel their associations among university students. METHODS A total of 5972 undergraduate students, randomly selected from six universities in central China, comprised the sample. The Chinese version of the Symptom Checklist-90-revised (SCL-90-R) was used to assess various psychological symptoms. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between psychological distress and risk for suicidal behavior. RESULTS 40.7% of the university students reported positive in a least one of the 9 psychological symptom dimensions assessed by the SCL-90-R. 7.6% of the students reported suicidal behavior in the previous twelve months. The risk of suicidal behavior was significantly associated with psychological symptoms of all types, but there were notable differences by sex. For male students, depression and phobic anxiety increased the risk of suicidal behavior. Meanwhile, depression and obsessive-compulsiveness were positively associated with suicidal behavior in female students. Furthermore, increasing risk of suicidal behavior was associated with increasing positive symptom total (PST) score and a statistically significant trend was observed. LIMITATIONS Data collected from a cross-sectional survey does not allow any examination of causal inference. CONCLUSIONS Psychological distress and suicidal behavior were both common among university students; and psychological distress was highly associated with suicidal behavior. The findings underscore the importance of mental health care for university students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Tang
- Health Management Centre, Qianfoshan Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, China; Centre for Suicide Prevention and Research, School of Public Health, Shandong University, China
| | - Majella Byrne
- PICuP Clinic, Maudsley Psychology Centre, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, UK; Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, Kings College London, UK
| | - Ping Qin
- Centre for Suicide Prevention and Research, School of Public Health, Shandong University, China; National Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway.
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11
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Mortier P, Cuijpers P, Kiekens G, Auerbach RP, Demyttenaere K, Green JG, Kessler RC, Nock MK, Bruffaerts R. The prevalence of suicidal thoughts and behaviours among college students: a meta-analysis. Psychol Med 2018; 48:554-565. [PMID: 28805169 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291717002215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 223] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescence and young adulthood carry risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviours (STB). An increasing subpopulation of young people consists of college students. STB prevalence estimates among college students vary widely, precluding a validated point of reference. In addition, little is known on predictors for between-study heterogeneity in STB prevalence. METHODS A systematic literature search identified 36 college student samples that were assessed for STB outcomes, representing a total of 634 662 students [median sample size = 2082 (IQR 353-5200); median response rate = 74% (IQR 37-89%)]. We used random-effects meta-analyses to obtain pooled STB prevalence estimates, and multivariate meta-regression models to identify predictors of between-study heterogeneity. RESULTS Pooled prevalence estimates of lifetime suicidal ideation, plans, and attempts were 22.3% [95% confidence interval (CI) 19.5-25.3%], 6.1% (95% CI 4.8-7.7%), and 3.2% (95% CI 2.2-4.5%), respectively. For 12-month prevalence, this was 10.6% (95% CI 9.1-12.3%), 3.0% (95% CI 2.1-4.0%), and 1.2% (95% CI 0.8-1.6%), respectively. Measures of heterogeneity were high for all outcomes (I 2 = 93.2-99.9%), indicating substantial between-study heterogeneity not due to sampling error. Pooled estimates were generally higher for females, as compared with males (risk ratios in the range 1.12-1.67). Higher STB estimates were also found in samples with lower response rates, when using broad definitions of suicidality, and in samples from Asia. CONCLUSIONS Based on the currently available evidence, STB seem to be common among college students. Future studies should: (1) incorporate refusal conversion strategies to obtain adequate response rates, and (2) use more fine-grained measures to assess suicidal ideation.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Mortier
- Research Group Psychiatry,Department of Neurosciences,KU Leuven University,Leuven,Belgium
| | - P Cuijpers
- Department of Clinical,Neuro and Developmental Psychology,Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam,the Netherlands
| | - G Kiekens
- Research Group Psychiatry,Department of Neurosciences,KU Leuven University,Leuven,Belgium
| | - R P Auerbach
- Department of Psychiatry,Harvard Medical School,Boston,MA,USA
| | - K Demyttenaere
- Research Group Psychiatry,Department of Neurosciences,KU Leuven University,Leuven,Belgium
| | - J G Green
- School of Education,Boston University,Boston,MA,USA
| | - R C Kessler
- Department of Health Care Policy,Harvard Medical School,Harvard University,Boston,MA,USA
| | - M K Nock
- Department of Psychology,Harvard University,Cambridge,MA,USA
| | - R Bruffaerts
- Research Group Psychiatry,Department of Neurosciences,KU Leuven University,Leuven,Belgium
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Macrynikola N, Miranda R, Soffer A. Social connectedness, stressful life events, and self-injurious thoughts and behaviors among young adults. Compr Psychiatry 2018; 80:140-149. [PMID: 29091780 PMCID: PMC10569818 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2017.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2016] [Revised: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Preventing self-injurious thoughts and behaviors (SITBs) is particularly challenging on commuter campuses, given lower social cohesion and higher levels of stress than among traditional college populations. The present study examined the relationship between stressful life events (SLEs) and risk for different forms of SITBs, along with the potential buffering role of social connectedness, in a diverse sample of young adults from a commuter college. METHODS Participants were 1712 (81% female; 61% racial/ethnic minority; 20% sexual minority) undergraduate and graduate students from a public commuter college in New York City. Participants completed an anonymous survey that inquired about lifetime and recent (past 12months) history of suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), along with social connectedness and lifetime history of SLEs. RESULTS Lower levels of social connectedness and exposure to a higher number of SLEs were associated with engaging in SITBs in the past year, particularly both suicide attempts and non-suicidal self-injury. However, social connectedness did not buffer against the impact of SLEs on SITBs. LIMITATIONS Data are cross-sectional, limiting conclusions about directionality, and females were overrepresented. CONCLUSIONS Identifying ways to increase social connectedness on diverse commuter campuses may help decrease risk of SITBs. However, it may not buffer against the impact of SLEs on risk of SITBs. Future studies should examine contextual variables (e.g., type and timing of social support) that may play a role in protecting against SITBs, particularly for those with a history of adversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Macrynikola
- Hunter College, City University of New York, 695 Park Ave., Room 611HN, New York, NY 10065, USA; The Graduate Center, City University of New York, 365 5th Ave., New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Regina Miranda
- Hunter College, City University of New York, 695 Park Ave., Room 611HN, New York, NY 10065, USA; The Graduate Center, City University of New York, 365 5th Ave., New York, NY 10016, USA.
| | - Ariella Soffer
- Hunter College, City University of New York, 695 Park Ave., Room 611HN, New York, NY 10065, USA
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Peltzer K, Yi S, Pengpid S. Suicidal behaviors and associated factors among university students in six countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Asian J Psychiatr 2017; 26:32-38. [PMID: 28483087 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2017.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2016] [Revised: 12/28/2016] [Accepted: 01/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
A large data gap remains on suicidal behaviors among youth in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries, despite the increasing rates of suicide in Asian cultures that may be related to rapid economic changes and the loss of social stability. This study was therefore conducted to explore the prevalence of and factors associated with suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among university students in six ASEAN member states. Data were collected in a cross-sectional survey of 4675 undergraduate university students, mean age 20.6 years (SD=2.7), range of 18-30 years, from Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam. The overall prevalence of ever suicidal ideation and ever suicide attempt among students in this study was 11.7% and 2.4%, respectively. Different rates of these suicidal behaviors were observed across the countries. In multivariable logistic regression models, suicidal ideation was significantly associated with psychosocial factors including childhood sexual abuse, depressive symptoms, involvement in physical fights, and poor academic performance as well as socio-environmental factors including living with parents or guardians and low involvement in organized religious activity. Suicide attempt was significantly associated with childhood sexual abuse, depressive symptoms, low involvement in organized religious activity and being underweight or overweight. Our findings suggest that individual-level strategies for suicide prevention should be targeted toward students with poor academic performance, mental health problems and a history of adverse childhood experiences. Particular attention should be paid to the role of families that could be a potential stressor in the lives of university students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl Peltzer
- ASEAN Institute for Health Development, Mahidol University, Salaya, Thailand; Department of Research & Innovation, University of Limpopo, Turfloop, South Africa; HIV/AIDS/STIs/and TB (HAST), Human Sciences Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa.
| | - Siyan Yi
- KHANA Center for Population Health Research, Phnom Penh, Cambodia; Center for Global Health Research, Touro University California, Vallejo, United States
| | - Supa Pengpid
- ASEAN Institute for Health Development, Mahidol University, Salaya, Thailand; Department of Research & Innovation, University of Limpopo, Turfloop, South Africa
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14
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Montes-Hidalgo J, Tomás-Sábado J. Autoestima, resiliencia, locus de control y riesgo suicida en estudiantes de enfermería. ENFERMERIA CLINICA 2016; 26:188-93. [DOI: 10.1016/j.enfcli.2016.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2015] [Revised: 02/13/2016] [Accepted: 03/09/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Gesi C, Carmassi C, Miniati M, Benvenuti A, Massimetti G, Dell'Osso L. Psychotic spectrum symptoms across the lifespan are related to lifetime suicidality among 147 patients with bipolar I or major depressive disorder. Ann Gen Psychiatry 2016; 15:15. [PMID: 27330540 PMCID: PMC4915160 DOI: 10.1186/s12991-016-0101-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2015] [Accepted: 05/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Conflicting evidence exists about the relationship between psychotic symptoms and suicidality in mood disorders. We aimed to investigate the lifetime suicidality and its relationship with dimensions of the psychotic spectrum over the lifespan among subjects with bipolar I (BD I) or major depressive disorder (MDD). METHODS 147 Consecutive out- and inpatients with BD I or MDD presenting for treatment at 11 Italian Departments of Psychiatry were administered the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders, the Structured Clinical Interview for the Psychotic Spectrum (SCI-PSY, lifetime version) and the Mood Spectrum Self-Report (MOODS-SR, lifetime version). RESULTS Subjects with psychotic features did not differ from those without for MOODS-SR suicidality score. Controlling for age, gender and diagnosis (MDD/BD I), the SCI-PSY total score (p = .007) and Paranoid (p = .042), Schizoid (p = .007) and Interpersonal Sensitivity (p < .001) domain scores independently predicted lifetime MOODS-SR suicidality score in the overall sample. CONCLUSIONS Psychotic features, as evaluated upon the presence of delusions or hallucinations, are not associated with suicidality among subjects with BD I or MDD. However, more subtle dimensions of the psychotic spectrum, such as Interpersonal Sensitivity, Paranoid and Schizoid symptoms, show a significant relationship with lifetime suicidality. Our findings highlight the potential usefulness of a spectrum approach in the assessment of psychotic symptoms and suicide risk among subjects with BD I or MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Gesi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - Claudia Carmassi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - Mario Miniati
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - Antonella Benvenuti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - Gabriele Massimetti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - Liliana Dell'Osso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56100 Pisa, Italy
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Honings S, Drukker M, Groen R, van Os J. Psychotic experiences and risk of self-injurious behaviour in the general population: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychol Med 2016; 46:237-251. [PMID: 26419206 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291715001841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies suggest that psychotic experiences (PE) in the general population are associated with an increased risk of self-injurious behaviour. Both the magnitude of this association and the level of adjustment for confounders vary among studies. A meta-analysis was performed to integrate the available evidence. The influence of possible confounders, including variably defined depression, was assessed. METHOD A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted including general population studies reporting on the risk of self-injurious behaviour in individuals with PE. Studies were identified by a systematic search strategy in Pubmed, PsycINFO and Embase. Reported effect sizes were extracted and meta-analytically pooled. RESULTS The risk of self-injurious behaviour was 3.20 times higher in individuals with PE compared with those without. Subanalyses showed that PE were associated with self-harm, suicidal ideation as well as suicidal attempts. All studies had scope for considerable residual confounding; effect sizes adjusted for depression were significantly smaller than effect sizes unadjusted for depression. In the longitudinal studies, adjustment for psychopathology resulted in a 74% reduction in excess risk. CONCLUSIONS PE are associated with self-injurious behaviour, suggesting they have potential as passive markers of suicidality. However, the association is confounded and several methodological issues remain, particularly how to separate PE from the full range of connected psychopathology in determining any specific association with self-injurious behaviour. Given evidence that PE represent an indicator of severity of non-psychotic psychopathology, the association between PE and self-injurious behaviour probably reflects a greater likelihood of self-injurious behaviour in more severe states of mental distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Honings
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology,South Limburg Mental Health Research and Teaching Network,Maastricht University Medical Centre,Maastricht,The Netherlands
| | - M Drukker
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology,South Limburg Mental Health Research and Teaching Network,Maastricht University Medical Centre,Maastricht,The Netherlands
| | - R Groen
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience,Maastricht University,Maastricht,The Netherlands
| | - J van Os
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology,South Limburg Mental Health Research and Teaching Network,Maastricht University Medical Centre,Maastricht,The Netherlands
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Mortier P, Demyttenaere K, Auerbach R, Green J, Kessler R, Kiekens G, Nock M, Bruffaerts R. The impact of lifetime suicidality on academic performance in college freshmen. J Affect Disord 2015; 186:254-60. [PMID: 26254617 PMCID: PMC4708078 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2015.07.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2015] [Revised: 07/17/2015] [Accepted: 07/28/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STB) among college students are common, the associations between STB and academic performance are not well understood. METHODS As part of the World Mental Health Surveys International College Student project, web-based self-reported STB of KU Leuven (Leuven, Belgium) incoming freshmen (N=4921; response rate=65.4%) was collected, as well as academic year percentage (AYP), and the departments to which students belong. Single- and multilevel multivariate analyses were conducted, adjusted for gender, age, parental educational level, and comorbid lifetime emotional problems. RESULTS Lifetime suicide plan and attempt upon college entrance were associated with significant decreases in AYP (3.6% and 7.9%, respectively). A significant interaction was found with average departmental AYP, with STB more strongly associated with reduced AYP in departments with lower than higher average AYP. LIMITATIONS Limited sample size precluded further investigation of interactions between department-level and student-level variables. No information was available on freshman secondary school academic performance. CONCLUSIONS Lifetime STB has a strong negative association with academic performance in college. Our study suggests a potential role for the college environment as target for treatment and prevention interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- P. Mortier
- Research Group Psychiatry, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven University, Herestraat 49, Leuven, Belgium
,Corresponding author. Fax: +32 16348700. .
| | - K. Demyttenaere
- Research Group Psychiatry, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven University, Herestraat 49, Leuven, Belgium
| | - R.P. Auerbach
- Harvard Medical School, McLean Hospital, Center for Depression, Anxiety and Stress Research, Belmont, MA, USA
| | - J.G. Green
- School of Education, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - R.C. Kessler
- Harvard Medical School, Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - G. Kiekens
- Research Group Psychiatry, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven University, Herestraat 49, Leuven, Belgium
| | - M.K. Nock
- Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - R. Bruffaerts
- Research Group Psychiatry, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven University, Herestraat 49, Leuven, Belgium
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Mitchell SM, Jahn DR, Cukrowicz KC. The Relation Between Illegal Risk Behaviors and the Acquired Capability for Suicide. CRISIS 2014; 35:368-77. [DOI: 10.1027/0227-5910/a000274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background: Suicide is the third leading cause of death among college students. The interpersonal theory of suicide may provide a way to conceptualize suicide risk in this population. Aims: We sought to examine relations between illegal behaviors that may act as risk factors for suicide and the acquired capability for suicide. Method: College students (N = 758) completed assessments of acquired capability and previous exposure to painful and provocative events, including illegal risk behaviors (IRBs). Linear regression, a nonparametric bootstrapping procedure, and two-tailed partial correlations were employed to test our hypotheses. Results: There was no significant relation between IRBs and acquired capability after controlling for legal painful and provocative experiences. A significant positive relation was identified between IRBs and fear/anxiety, contradicting the expected relation between increased painful and provocative experiences and lower fear/anxiety. Acquired capability explained variance in the relation between IRBs and history of suicide attempt or self-injury history. Conclusion: Further research is needed to examine links between IRBs and painful and provocative events, particularly to identify the point at which habituation begins to increase acquired capability, as our unexpected results may be due to a lack of habituation to risky behaviors or low variability of scores in the sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean M. Mitchell
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Danielle R. Jahn
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Kelly C. Cukrowicz
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA
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Bae SM, Lee YJ, Cho IH, Kim SJ, Im JS, Cho SJ. Risk factors for suicidal ideation of the general population. J Korean Med Sci 2013; 28:602-7. [PMID: 23579548 PMCID: PMC3617315 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2013.28.4.602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2012] [Accepted: 01/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate risk factors of suicide ideation in general population. A total of 1,116 adults were sampled with randomization in an urban area. After excluding 116 participants due to incomplete answer, 1,000 participants (500 males; mean age 39.6 ± 11.6) completed self-report questionnaire including the Center for Epidemiologic Study Depression Scale (CES-D), the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (BSI), the Spielberger State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory (STAXI), the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS), and questions on weekday sleep duration. Results showed higher scores on the BSI were related with higher scores on the STAXI, CES-D, a family history of psychiatric illness, and short or long sleep duration (≤ 5 or ≥ 10 hr) (adjusted R (2) = 0.151, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P = 0.001, and P = 0.008, respectively). The predictive power of the STAXI scores, the presence of psychiatric family history and short or long sleep duration was stronger in the high CES-D group with scores of 16 or higher (adjusted R (2) = 0.275, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, and P < 0.001, respectively). These findings suggest that suicide idea in general population may be related with the presence of family history for psychiatric illness, depressive mood, high anger and short or long sleep duration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung-Min Bae
- Department of Psychiatry, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea
| | - Yu Jin Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea
| | - In Hee Cho
- Department of Psychiatry, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea
| | - Seog Ju Kim
- Department of Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jeong Soo Im
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Seong-Jin Cho
- Department of Psychiatry, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea
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Lamis DA, Jahn DR. Parent-child conflict and suicide rumination in college students: the mediating roles of depressive symptoms and anxiety sensitivity. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2013; 61:106-113. [PMID: 23409860 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2012.754758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Parent-child conflict, depressive symptoms, and anxiety sensitivity have each been identified as risk factors for suicide ideation in college students. This study examined the relations among these risk factors and suicide rumination utilizing transition theory to guide the hypothesized relations. PARTICIPANTS Undergraduate college students participated in this study in the spring of 2012 (January to May). METHODS Participants completed self-report measures of parent-child conflict, depressive symptoms, anxiety sensitivity, and suicide rumination, among other measures. Hypothesized pathways and mediation were tested using path analysis. RESULTS Suicide rumination was positively and uniquely predicted by depressive symptoms, anxiety sensitivity, and parent-child conflict. The relation between parent-child conflict and suicide rumination was, in part, accounted for by depressive symptoms and anxiety sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest that it would be advisable for clinicians to assess for students' conflicts with their parents in conjunction with their levels of depression and anxiety when assessing for suicide risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorian A Lamis
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30303, USA.
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Yaseen ZS, Gilmer E, Modi J, Cohen LJ, Galynker II. Emergency room validation of the revised Suicide Trigger Scale (STS-3): a measure of a hypothesized suicide trigger state. PLoS One 2012; 7:e45157. [PMID: 23024805 PMCID: PMC3443232 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0045157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2012] [Accepted: 08/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Suicide Trigger Scale (STS) was designed to measure the construct of an affective 'suicide trigger state.' This study aims to extend the inpatient setting validation study of the original Suicide Trigger Scale version 2 to the revised Suicide Trigger Scale version 3 (STS-3) in an acute psychiatric emergency room setting. METHODS The 42-item STS-3 and a brief psychological test battery were administered to 183 adult psychiatric patients with suicidal ideation or attempt in the psychiatric emergency room, and re-administered to subjects at 1 year follow up. Factor analysis, linear and logistic regressions were used to examine construct structure, divergent and convergent validity, and construct validity, respectively. RESULTS The STS-3 demonstrated strong internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha 0.94). Factor analysis yielded a three-factor solution, which explained 43.4% of the variance. Principal axis factor analysis was used to identify three reliable subscales: Frantic Hopelessness, Ruminative Flooding, and Near-Psychotic Somatization (Cronbach's alphas 0.90, 0.80, and 0.76, respectively). Significant positive associations were observed between Frantic Hopelessness and BSI depression and anxiety subscales, between Ruminative Flooding and BSI anxiety and paranoia subscales, and Near Psychotic Somatization and BSI somatization subscales. Suicidal subjects with suicide attempt history had mean scores 7 points higher than those without history of suicide attempts. Frantic hopelessness was a significant predictor of current suicide attempt when only attempts requiring at least some medical attention were considered. CONCLUSION The STS-3 measures a distinct clinical entity, provisionally termed the 'suicide trigger state.' Scores on the STS-3 or select subscales appear to relate to degree of suicidality in terms of severity of ideation, history of attempt, and presence of substantive current attempts. Further study is required to confirm the factor structure and better understand the nature of these relations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zimri S Yaseen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Beth Israel Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America.
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Kuyel N, Cesur S, Ellison CG. Religious Orientation and Mental Health: A Study with Turkish University Students. Psychol Rep 2012; 110:535-46. [PMID: 22662408 DOI: 10.2466/02.09.pr0.110.2.535-546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The present study examined the relationship between religious orientation and mental health symptoms among Turkish students. A total of 341 undergraduate students between the ages of 18 and 26 completed the Brief Symptom Inventory and Age Universal Intrinsic-Extrinsic Scale. Extrinsic orientation was found to be correlated positively with symptoms of anxiety and depression. There were also significant correlations between hostility scores and both intrinsic and extrinsic religious orientations. Patterns were similar to those reported previously, but correlations were mostly in the .10–.14 range. In multiple-regression models, extrinsic orientation emerged as the only significant predictor for hostility, anxiety, and depression; however, only 2% of the variance was explained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilay Kuyel
- Istanbul, Turkey
- University of Texas at San Antonio
| | - Sevim Cesur
- Istanbul University
- University of Texas at San Antonio
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Engin E, Cuhadar D, Ozturk E. Healthy life behaviors and suicide probability in university students. Arch Psychiatr Nurs 2012; 26:43-53. [PMID: 22284079 DOI: 10.1016/j.apnu.2011.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2009] [Revised: 04/28/2011] [Accepted: 05/18/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study aims to determine the sociodemographic factors and healthy life behaviors affecting suicide and suicide probability of university students. The research was designed as a complementary study and conducted with 334 students from several faculties and colleges at Ege University, Turkey. The study findings indicated that suicide probability could be affected by the students' age, their problems at school, their troubled relations with friends, and a psychiatric disorder history within the last year. Moreover, it was concluded that the students with healthy life behaviors had significantly lower scores on the Suicide Probability Scale and its subscales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esra Engin
- Department of Psychiatric Nursing, Ege University School of Nursing, Bornova, Izmir, Turkey.
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Vázquez FL, Otero P, Díaz O. Psychological distress and related factors in female college students. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2012; 60:219-225. [PMID: 22420699 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2011.587485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study assessed the psychological distress in Spanish college women and analyzed it in relation to sociodemographic and academic factors. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS The authors selected a stratified random sampling of 1,043 college women (average age of 22.2 years). Sociodemographic and academic information were collected, and psychological distress was assessed with the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised. RESULTS This sample of college women scored the highest on the depression dimension and the lowest on the phobic anxiety dimension. The sample scored higher than women of the general population on the dimensions of obsessive-compulsive, interpersonal sensitivity, paranoid ideation, psychoticism, and on the Global Severity Index. Scores in the sample significantly differed based on age, relationship status, financial independence, year of study, and area of study. CONCLUSION The results indicated an elevated level of psychological distress among college women, and therefore college health services need to devote more attention to their mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando L Vázquez
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW University students represent the national capital and investment for the future, with an implicit mission both for their families and for society as a whole. However, they face multiple stressors such as academic overload, constant pressure to succeed, competition with peers and in some countries financial burden and concerns about the future. As all this may lead to psychopathology, the health of university students has been the subject of increasing focus in recent years. RECENT FINDINGS Multiple protective and risk factors are involved in the psychological well being and distress of university students. Specific risk factors for the development of psychopathology are high test anxiety, lower self-efficacy, as well as certain personality traits. Moreover, some students arrive at college with already existing mental health problems. The most frequent mental disorders among students are substance abuse, depression, self-harm and suicide, eating and anxiety disorders. SUMMARY Acquiring and improving knowledge about the student population is a crucial factor in the development of mental health promotion programs in order to meet their needs and to help them cope with various problems. Better understanding and care of the personality profile of university students can be helpful in academic and career choice and prevention of future mental health problems.
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