Preliminary behavioral differences between Spanish adults with suicidal ideation and control population

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
• Public Health Research
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Suicidal ideation is a major public health issue and a predictor of suicide attempts.
• While biological and psychological factors are known, daily behaviors like nutrition and sleep are less understood risk factors.
• This study investigates the role of daily behaviors and psychological traits in suicidal ideation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine behavioral and psychological differences between Spanish adults with and without suicidal ideation.
• To identify potential daily behavior and psychological correlates of suicidal ideation in a community sample.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional online survey was administered to 1,364 Spanish adults.
• Participants were categorized into a suicidal ideation group (n=20) and a control group (n=1344) based on the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale.
• Data collected included sociodemographics, nutrition, oral health, physical activity, and psychological variables, analyzed using independent t-tests.

Main Results:

• The suicidal ideation group was younger, had lower weight/BMI, poorer sleep quality, and spent more time on social media.
• They reported lower water intake, vitality, and better oral health outcomes (less gastritis, dry mouth, dental sensitivity).
• Psychologically, they exhibited higher depression, stress, anxiety, loneliness, psychological inflexibility, neuroticism, and openness, with lower extraversion and agreeableness.

Conclusions:

• Preliminary findings suggest distinct behavioral and psychological profiles associated with suicidal ideation in Spanish adults.
• The study highlights potential links between daily behaviors (sleep, nutrition, social media use) and psychological distress.
• Further research with larger sample sizes and longitudinal designs is needed to confirm these associations.