Suicidal affective risk among female college students: the impact of life satisfaction

Female college students are a particularly vulnerable group, experiencing higher rates of suicidal thoughts and mood disorders. However, little has been known about the concept of Suicidal Affective Risk (SAR) among them and its connection to overall life satisfaction. In this study, our primary goal was to uncover distinct profiles of SAR in female college students and assess how life satisfaction factors into this equation. Our research involved 2,032 female college students who completed surveys regarding suicidal thoughts, depression, anxiety, and life satisfaction. We used a statistical method known as Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) to categorize students into different SAR profiles. Additionally, we conducted multiple logistic regression analyses to understand how life satisfaction related to SAR. The results unveiled three key SAR profiles: low SAR, high negative affective risk, and high SAR. Interestingly, aspects like peer interactions, family satisfaction, and contentment with the natural environment were found to have a protective effect, reducing SAR. However, academic satisfaction seemed to have an adverse impact on SAR, particularly for those at high risk. In summary, our study has brought attention to the prevalence and diversity of SAR among female college students. It underscores the importance of considering multiple factors contributing to their risk and highlights the necessity for tailored interventions addressing their unique needs. Moreover, it demonstrates that certain facets of life satisfaction, such as positive peer interactions and family satisfaction, can help alleviate SAR, while academic satisfaction may amplify it in high-risk individuals. These findings provide valuable insights for understanding SAR and developing targeted prevention strategies for this vulnerable group. Nonetheless, further research is needed to delve into the longitudinal dynamics of SAR and validate its predictive capability.