Reasons for living in university students: Results in a Colombian sample

Beliefs, expectations, social approval, responsibility with the family and the subjects' abilities are factors attributed to face suicidal behaviour. Objective: to establish the reasons for living as mediators in the manifestation of suicidal behaviour in university students of the Minute of God University Corporation Neiva and Florencia, Colombia. Method: cross-sectional correlational design, purposive, non-probabilistic sampling, comprising 624 students of UN I M I NUTO, aged 18 to 67 years. The instruments: sociodemographic data sheet and Reasons for Living Inventory (RFL). Results: Correlation was found between age and all factors except factor 5 (Perception of inability to commit suicide), between income level with factors 3 (Responsibility to family) and 4 (Concern for children), in marital status differences were found in all factors except factor 5 (Perception of inability to commit suicide), in source of income for factors 1 (Belief in life and coping capacity), 3 (Responsibility to family) and 4 (Concern for children). Conclusion: The reasons for living identified in university students were "belief in life", "coping skills" and "concern for children", actions are needed to mitigate suicidal risk situations.