The Relationship Between Suicide Ideation, Behavioral Health, and College Academic Performance
Susan M De Luca1, Cynthia Franklin2, Yan Yueqi3
1School of Social Work and The Center for Women's and Gender Studies, The University of Texas at Austin, 1925 San Jacinto Blvd., Stop D3500, Austin, TX, 78712, USA. sdeluca@austin.utexas.edu.
Abstract:
The impact of suicidal ideation on college students' academic performance has yet to be examined, yet mental health is often linked with academic performance. Underclassmen and upperclassmen were compared on behavioral health outcomes related to academic success (N = 26,457). Ideation (b = -0.05, p < .05), increased mental health (b = -0.03, p < .01) or substance use severity (b = -0.02, p < .01) was associated with lower GPAs. Underclassmen's behavioral health severity was related to lower GPA. Students reported higher GPAs when participating in extracurricular activities during the past year. Ideation, beyond mental health, is an important when assessing academic performance. Increasing students' connections benefits students experiencing behavioral concerns but also aids in suicide prevention initiatives and improves academic outcomes. Creating integrated health care systems on campus where physical, mental health and academic support services is crucial to offer solutions for students with severe or co-morbid mental health histories.
Related Concept Videos
Stress and Mental Health
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Self-Presentation: Self-Monitoring and Self-Handicapping
Reliability and Validity
Self-Discrepancy Theory
Theory of Attribution II: Kelley's Covariation Theory
Benefits of Self-Esteem
