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Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors Among First-Year College Students: Results From the WMH-ICS Project

Mortier P, Auerbach RP, Alonso J, Bantjes J, Benjet C, Cuijpers P, Ebert D, Green JG, Hasking P, Nock MK, O'Neill S, Pinder-Amaker S, Sampson NA, Vilagut G, Zaslavsky AM, Bruffaerts R, Kessler RC, Boyes M, Kiekens G, Baumeister H, Kaehlke F, Berking M, Ramírez AA, Borges G, Díaz AC, Durán MS, González RG, Gutiérrez-García RA, de la Torre AEH, Martinez Martínez KI, Medina-Mora ME, Zarazúa HM, Tarango GP, Zavala Berbena MA, O'Neill S, Bjourson T, Lochner C, Roos J, Cur HB, Taljaard L, Saal W, Stein D, Alayo I, Almenara J, Ballester L, Barbaglia G, Blasco MJ, Castellví P, Cebrià AI, Echeburúa E, Gabilondo A, García-Forero C, Iruin Á, Lagares C, Miranda-Mendizábal A, Parès-Badell O, Pérez-Vázquez MT, Piqueras JA, Roca M, Rodríguez-Marín J, Gili M, Soto-Sanz V, Vives M (2018)

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Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2018

Journal

Book Volume: 57

Pages Range: 263-273.e1

Journal Issue: 4

DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2018.01.018

Abstract

Objective: College entrance may be a strategically well-placed “point of capture” for detecting late adolescents with suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STB). However, a clear epidemiological picture of STB among incoming college students is lacking. We present the first cross-national data on prevalence as well as socio-demographic and college-related correlates for STB among first-year college students. Method: Web-based self-report surveys were obtained from 13,984 first-year students (response rate 45.5%) across 19 colleges in 8 countries (Australia, Belgium, Germany, Mexico, Northern Ireland, South Africa, Spain, and the United States). Results: Lifetime prevalence of suicidal ideation, plans, and attempts was 32.7%, 17.5%, and 4.3%, respectively. The 12-month prevalence was 17.2%, 8.8%, and 1.0%, respectively. About three-fourths of STB cases had onset before the age of 16 years (Q3 = 15.8), with persistence figures in the range of 41% to 53%. About one-half (53.4%) of lifetime ideators transitioned to a suicide plan; 22.1% of lifetime planners transitioned to an attempt. Attempts among lifetime ideators without plan were less frequent (3.1%). Significant correlates of lifetime STB were cross-nationally consistent and generally modest in effect size (median adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.7). Nonheterosexual orientation (aOR range 3.3−7.9) and heterosexual orientation with some same-sex attraction (aOR range 1.9−2.3) were the strongest correlates of STB, and of transitioning from ideation to plans and/or attempts (aOR range 1.6−6.1). Conclusion: The distribution of STB in first-year students is widespread, and relatively independent of socio-demographic risk profile. Multivariate risk algorithms based on a high number of risk factors are indicated to efficiently link high-risk status with effective preventive interventions.

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APA:

Mortier, P., Auerbach, R.P., Alonso, J., Bantjes, J., Benjet, C., Cuijpers, P.,... Vives, M. (2018). Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors Among First-Year College Students: Results From the WMH-ICS Project. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 57(4), 263-273.e1. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaac.2018.01.018

MLA:

Mortier, Philippe, et al. "Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors Among First-Year College Students: Results From the WMH-ICS Project." Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 57.4 (2018): 263-273.e1.

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