Citation

Smith SS, Smith Carter J, Karczewski S, Pivarunas B, Suffoletto S, Munin A. J. Am. Coll. Health 2014; 63(1): 1-12.

Affiliation

Department of Psychology , DePaul University , Chicago , Illinois.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/07448481.2014.960420

PMID

25222880

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Through a holistic health lens, the current study examines the effects of weight-related issues and stress on suicidality while controlling for depressive symptoms in college students. Participants: In total, 872 undergraduate and graduate students at DePaul University completed the ACHA-National College Health Assessment-II web-based survey in Spring 2010.

METHODS: Measures of suicidality, depression, weight-related issues, and life stressors were assessed, along with gender differences.

RESULTS: Females reported experiencing more weight-loss attempts and total stressors than males. Weight-related issues and stress both significantly predicted depressive symptoms in a path analysis; depressive symptoms, in turn, significantly predicted suicidality. Gender differences were found; depressive symptoms mediate the relation between stress and suicidal behavior for females but not for males. Implications: This investigation furthers previous research on suicidality in college students and suggests that all-inclusive interventions that address weight-related issues and stress may help reduce depressive symptoms, which then may reduce suicidal behavior.

Language: en