Journal of East China Normal University(Educationa ›› 2019, Vol. 37 ›› Issue (4): 154-163.doi: 10.16382/j.cnki.1000-5560.2019.04.014

Previous Articles     Next Articles

The Moderating Effect of Hope on Suicide Behavior Among College Students

Zhu Hong1, Yang Xiangdong2, Wu Ran1   

  1. 1. Psychological Counseling Center, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China;
    2. Department of Educational Psychology, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China
  • Online:2019-07-20 Published:2019-07-22

Abstract: Understanding suicide behaviors and associated protective factors among college students bears important implications for prevention and clinical practices. Based upon a large dataset from college students, the current study investigated the role of hope in college student suicide behaviors within the interpersonal theory of suicide (IPTS). Results showed that IPTS could be used as a theoretical framework for interpreting suicide behaviors among Chinese college students as the latent variable models derived from the theory fitted the data well. Perceived burdensomeness (PB) and thwarted belongingness (TB), both individually and jointly, predicted student suicide behaviors significantly, so did the acquired capability of suicide (ACS), especially the component of the lowered fear of death (LFD). There were two types of moderating effects of hope in suicide behaviors of college students. High hope buffered the effects of PT and TB on suicide behaviors of college students, whereas no hope, or hopelessness, catalyzed the corresponding effects. These moderating effects became increasingly stronger as the mental status of the individual became worse. The implications of such findings for prevention and clinical practices were discussed.

Key words: college student, suicide, interpersonal theory, hope, moderation