A predictive model of suicidal ideation in Korean college students.

OBJECTIVE

The study was conducted to develop a theoretical model to comprehensively explain suicidal ideation in Korean college students by including resilience, belongingness, and college life adjustment in addition to depression and stress.

DESIGN AND SAMPLE

This study was a descriptive survey with 291 college students.

MEASURES

Structural equation modeling was used to the hypotheses on this study.

RESULTS

Belongingness and depression showed a statistically significant direct effect, and college life stress and belongingness showed a statistically significant indirect effect. Belongingness was the most influential, and all the predictors in combination had an explanatory power of 37% for suicidal ideation in college students.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings suggest a model of suicidal ideation focused on perspective, protective factors; previous research provided a negative perspective with focus on risk factors for suicidal ideation. Findings can be used to develop diverse programs to decrease suicidal ideation in college students and help them to adjust to college life.