Suicidal ideation, suicide attempts and positive mental health in Chinese medical students

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Julia Brailovskaia - , Ruhr University Bochum (Author)
  • Tobias Teismann - , Ruhr University Bochum (Author)
  • Ute Lewitzka - , Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy (Author)
  • Zhihua Gao - , North China University of Science and Technology (Author)
  • Xiao Chi Zhang - , Ruhr University Bochum (Author)
  • Jurgen Margraf - , Ruhr University Bochum (Author)

Abstract

Introduction
Students worldwide are at marked risk of suicidal ideation/behavior, depression, and low positive mental health (PMH). Medical students are suspected to be a particularly burdened group. On this background, the aim of the present study was to determine prevalence rates of suicidal ideation/behavior, depression and PMH, among Chinese medical students compared to students from other disciplines.

Methods
A total of 2,695 Chinese students (41.2% women; age: M = 18.86, SD = .60, range: 18–21), including 461 medical students, filled out self-report measures on suicidal ideation/behavior, depression, and PMH.

Results
Twelve-month suicidal ideation was reported by 10.2% of the medical students and by 11.5% of the other students. Medical students had significantly lower levels of depression symptoms and significantly higher levels of PMH than students from other disciplines. Complete mental health – according to the dual-factor model of mental health – was reported by more than 84% of the total sample.

Limitations
Data were assessed by a self-report survey that is prone to social desirability.

Conclusions
Students in the present study displayed high rates of complete mental health – although the survey was conducted in the midst of the Corona pandemic. No evidence was found that medical students are particularly stressed.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number100354
JournalJournal of Affective Disorders Reports
Volume9
Publication statusPublished - Jul 2022
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

Scopus 85129076020

Keywords

Sustainable Development Goals