Relationship between Psychological Strain and Suicidal Ideation among University Students, the Mediating and Moderating Roles of Psycho- social Determinants

Abstract

Suicide is an alarming issue around the globe, claiming the most lives of young adults. The suicidal rates are increasing, yet little emphasis is on suicidal ideation, the preceding factor of suicide. Extant literature focused upon the risk and protective elements, yet the underlying mechanism between psychological strain and suicidal ideation remained under-researched. This correlational study aimed to determine the relationship between psychological strain, suicidal ideation, rumination, depression, social connectedness and religious orientation. The study aimed to explore the mediating roles of rumination and depression and the moderating roles of social connectedness and religious orientation in the association between psychological strain and suicidal ideation. Convenient sampling was employed to collect data from 400 young adults from the universities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan. Psychological Strain Scale, revised version (PSS-40), Suicidal Ideation Scale (SIS), Revised Ruminative Response Scale (RRS), Beck Depression Inventory-brief version (BDI), Social connectedness scale (SCS), and Revised Intrinsic and Extrinsic Religious Orientation Scale (I/E-R) were administered to assess the variables. The results indicated a significant relationship between the variables. Brooding and depression significantly serially mediated the relationship between psychological strain and suicidal ideation. Social connectedness and intrinsic religiosity moderated the relationship between psychological strain and suicidal ideation. The study provided valuable insights by explaining one of the underlying mechanisms behind suicidal ideation among Pakistani students.