Belongingness and suicidal ideation in college students.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, the relationships between 3 specific domains of belongingness (ie, family, peers, and academic institution) were examined with respect to suicidal ideation.

PARTICIPANTS

A sample (N=249) of undergraduate students was recruited from a large, midwestern university during the Spring 2013 semester.

METHODS

Multiple regression analysis examined whether the 3 specific domains of belongingness (ie, family, peers, and academic institution) significantly contributed to explaining variance in suicidal ideation.

RESULTS

Findings indicated that the 3 domains of belongingness accounted for 9.4% of the variance for suicidal ideation. Family belongingness was the only domain of belongingness that made a significant, unique, and negative contribution to suicidal ideation.

CONCLUSIONS

Students' family belongingness seems to have a significant role in their manifestation of suicidal ideation.