Suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among university students in South Korea during the COVID-19 pandemic: the application of interpersonal-psychological theory and early maladaptive schema

Abstract

Background This study examined the application of interpersonal-psychological theory and early maladaptive schema of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in South Korean university students. Methods In this cross-sectional study, data from 367 university students were surveyed using the Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire, Early Maladaptive Schema, Suicide Ideation Scale, and the Acquired Capability for Suicide Scale. Data were collected between June 21 and July 21, 2021. Results University students’ interpersonal needs and early maladaptive schema were significantly associated with suicidal ideation, and influencing suicide attempts. The acquired capability for suicide moderated the relationship between suicidal ideation and attempts. Conclusions In suicide prevention programs for university students, it is critical to consider their interpersonal needs and early maladaptive schema, and the acquired capability for suicide, to prevent suicidal ideation and attempts among them.

Early Maladaptive Schemas and Schema Modes among People with Histories of Suicidality and the Possibility of a Universal Pattern: A Systematic Review

“…The articles included in the review were published between 2008 [ 27 ] and 2022 [ 34 ]. Their highest number is from 2017 (n = 4).…”

“…Their highest number is from 2017 (n = 4). The study was conducted with subjects from three continents: five from Asia [ 16 , 17 , 18 , 31 , 34 ], five from Europe [ 19 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 33 ], and two from North America [ 27 , 32 ]. All the manuscripts were from peer-reviewed scientific journals.…”

“…The study group consisted of both psychiatric treated and non-treated individuals. In some of the analyzed groups, the participants represented a specific diagnosis (e.g., depressive disorder [ 19 , 31 ], borderline personality disorder [ 29 , 33 ], bipolar disorder [ 18 ], obsessive–compulsive disorder [ 17 ], schizophrenia [ 16 ]), and other studies involved individuals seeking help for experienced symptoms [ 32 , 34 ] or cross-sectionally studied students [ 32 , 34 ].…”

“…The instruments examined the following: the presence of suicidal ideation, suicidal plans, suicide risk, and the history of past suicidal attempts. Some studies used different self-report questionnaires for this purpose e.g., [ 33 , 34 ], while others relied on data from medical records and interviews with subjects e.g., [ 30 , 31 ].…”

Suicidal ideation and attempts among Nigerian undergraduates: Exploring the relationships with depression, hopelessness, perceived burdensomeness, and thwarted belongingness

“…On this premise, the constructs (i.e., PB and TB) of the interpersonal theory of suicide may provide a valuable theoretical framework for explaining suicidal ideation and behavior among Nigerian youths. 25 , 26 Previous studies 25 , 27 , 28 have verified the role of PB and TB in suicidal behaviors in young adults of clinical and nonclinical populations.…”