Do close supportive relationships moderate the effect of depressive symptoms on suicidal ideation?

Abstract

Depressive symptoms, a lack of close supportive relationships and suicidal ideation are important risk factors for suicidal acts. Previous studies have primarily focused on the additive effects of close relationships and depressive symptoms on suicide risk. Here we explored whether, in addition, close relationships moderated the impact of depressive symptoms on suicidal ideation. An analysis of pre-existing data from 319 attendees at a student counselling service using moderated regression models indicated that when the student has close supportive relationships, the association between depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation is weaker than when he/she feels an absence of close relationships. This confirms the need to include enquiries about the presence of close relationships and depression as part of any suicide risk assessment.

Keywords:

• counselling
• students
• depression
• suicidal ideation
• close relationships

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes on contributors

Aja L. Murray is a Ph.D. student at the University of Edinburgh.

Karen McKenzie is a professor of psychology at Northumbria University and conducted the research while an honorary associate with NHS Lothian.

Kara Murray worked as a volunteer research assistant on the current research while studying for her degree in Psychology at the University of Edinburgh.

Marc Richelieu is the Assistant Director of the student counselling service at the University of Edinburgh.