Mediating Effects of Stress, Weight-Related Issues, and Depression on Suicidality in College Students

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 American College Health Association–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.

Keywords:

• depression
• stress
• suicide
• weight

FUNDING

No funding was used to support this research and/or the preparation of the manuscript.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST DISCLOSURE

The authors have no conflicts of interest to report. The authors confirm that the research presented in this article met the ethical guidelines, including adherence to the legal requirements, of the United States and received approval from the Institutional Review Board of DePaul University.

NOTE

For comments and further information, address correspondence to Sydney S. Smith, Department of Psychology, Barnwell College, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 209208, USA (e-mail: [email protected]).