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Trauma exposure, suicidality, and reporting in college students
Laura Shannonhouse1, Michele Hill2, Jennifer Hightower3
1Counseling and Psychological Services, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
Journal of American College Health : J of ACH
|July 30, 2020
Summary
Trauma history significantly increases suicide risk in college students. Many students experiencing suicidal thoughts seek help, highlighting the need for comprehensive campus safety programs.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Sociology
Background:
- Suicidality is a significant concern among undergraduate students.
- Traumatic experiences, such as rape, are common in college and are established risk factors for suicidal ideation.
- Understanding the interplay between trauma and suicidality is crucial for effective intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between individual trauma history and lifetime suicide risk in undergraduate students.
- To examine the relationship between trauma and the reporting of suicidal ideation in this population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted with 372 undergraduate students (130 males, 242 females) from two institutions.
- Participants completed self-report measures of personal trauma histories and suicidality.
- Multivariate analyses were used to determine odds ratios for the association between traumatic events and lifetime suicidality.
Main Results:
- Suicidality is prevalent among college students.
- Specific traumas, like rape, are significant risk factors for suicidality in this demographic.
- Students experiencing suicidal ideation reported seeking help.
Conclusions:
- Recognizing a student's trauma history provides a more complete understanding of their suicide risk.
- Campus suicide prevention programs should adopt a broad approach to preparedness.
- Support systems are needed for the substantial number of students experiencing suicidal ideation and seeking assistance.
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