College Students’ Sense of Coherence and Connectedness as Predictors of Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the relationship between college students’ sense of coherence and connectedness and their development of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Using archival data from a larger survey with responses from 26,742 undergraduate and graduate students at 74 colleges and universities, we applied Exploratory Factor Analysis to derive these protective factors (coherence and connectedness) as well as hypothesized distal and proximal risk factors (pre-existing vulnerabilities and distress). Structural Equation Modeling was used to explore latent variable interactions among these factors with regards to outcomes on a continuum of suicidal thinking and behavior. Sense of coherence mitigated the impact of pre-existing vulnerabilities on movement along the continuum, while connectedness mitigated the impact of distress. Findings suggest that including both connectedness and coherence in suicide prevention frameworks will increase the impact of suicide prevention programming.

Keywords:

• college mental health
• connectedness
• protective factors
• sense of coherence
• suicidal continuum

Additional information

Notes on contributors

David J. Drum

David J. Drum, the University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA.

Chris Brownson

Chris Brownson, the University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA.

Elaine A. Hess

Elaine A. Hess, Baylor Regional Medical Center, Plano, Texas, USA.

Adryon Burton Denmark

Adryon Burton Denmark, the University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA.

Anna E. Talley

Anna E. Talley, the University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA.