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

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Mortier, P.
Auerbach, R.
Alonso, J.
Bantjes, J.
Benjet, C.
Cuijpers, P.
Ebert, D.
Green, J.
Hasking, Penelope
Nock, M.
O'Neill, S.
Pinder-Amaker, S.
Sampson, N.
Vilagut, G.
Zaslavsky, A.
Bruffaerts, R.
Kessler, R.
Boyes, Mark
Kiekens, G.
Baumeister, H.
Kaehlke, F.
Berking, M.
Ramírez, A.
Borges, G.
Díaz, A.
Durán, M.
González, R.
Gutiérrez-García, R.
de la Torre, A.
Martinez Martínez, K.
Medina-Mora, M.
Zarazúa, H.
Tarango, G.
Zavala Berbena, M.
O'Neill, S.
Bjourson, T.
Lochner, C.
Roos, J.
Cur, H.
Taljaard, L.
Saal, W.
Stein, D.
Alayo, I.
Almenara, J.
Ballester, L.
Barbaglia, G.
Blasco, M.
Castellví, P.
Cebrià, A.
Echeburúa, E.
Gabilondo, A.
García-Forero, C.
Iruin, �.
Lagares, C.
Miranda-Mendizábal, A.
Parès-Badell, O.
Pérez-Vázquez, M.
Piqueras, J.
Roca, M.
Rodríguez-Marín, J.
Gili, M.
Soto-Sanz, V.
Vives, M.
Date
2018
Type
Journal Article

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Mortier, P. and Auerbach, R. and Alonso, J. and Bantjes, J. and Benjet, C. and Cuijpers, P. and Ebert, D. et al. 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): pp. 263-273.e1.
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Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
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School of Psychology
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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.