Keywords
suicidal ideation, semesters, belongingness
Abstract
The interpersonal–psychological theory of suicidal behavior (Joiner, 2005)proposes that the need to belong is fundamental; when met it can prevent suicide and when thwarted it can substantially increase the risk for suicide. We investigate one source of group-wide variation in belongingness among college students—changes in the social composition of college campuses across academic semesters—as an explanation for variation in suicidal ideation across the academic year.Our results indicate that in a sample of college students at a large southern state university (n=309), suicidal ideation varied across academic semesters, with high-est levels in summer compared to both spring and fall. Differences in suicidal ideation between summer and spring were, in large part, accounted for by belong-ingness. Theoretical, as well as practical, implications are discussed regarding mechanisms for seasonal variation in suicidal ideation.
BYU ScholarsArchive Citation
Braithwaite, Scott R.; Van Orden, Kimberly; Witte, Tracy K.; James, Lisa M.; Castro, Yessenia; Gordon, Kathryn H.; Hollar, Daniel L.; and Joiner Jr., Thomas E., "Suicidal Ideation in College Students Varies Across Semesters: The Mediating Role of Belongingness" (2008). Faculty Publications. 6001.
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/facpub/6001
Document Type
Peer-Reviewed Article
Publication Date
2008
Permanent URL
http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/8730
Publisher
The American Association of Suicidology
Language
English
College
Family, Home, and Social Sciences
Department
Psychology