RISK FACTORS FOR SUICIDAL IDEATION AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS: 6-MONTH FOLLOW-UP

This study was a 6-month follow-up study examining risk factors for suicide among college students. The sample included 95 participants who also participated in the first data collection period. Online questionnaires were completed by participants from the first wave. Thirteen percent of the sample had clinically significant levels of suicidal ideation, 3.2% met the criteria for dysthymia, and 15.8% and 17.9% met the DSM-IV criteria for a diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder, respectfully. About 9.5% met criteria for alcohol dependence and 16.8% met criteria for drug abuse. Overall, 23% of the variance was explained in suicidal ideation with depressive symptoms, presence of anxiety, and high relational victimization scores attributing to 15% of the variance. Results of the 6-month follow-up support prior research suggesting high correlation between Major Depressive Disorder and suicidal ideation. However, there was no correlation found between levels of suicidal ideation and Generalized Anxiety Disorders.