Trapped by Comparison: How Social Rank Fuels Suicidal Thoughts Across Racial Backgrounds

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Sociology
• Public Health

Background:

• Social comparison is a key factor in suicidal ideation, linked to feelings of defeat and entrapment.
• The specific role of social comparison and subjective social rank in suicide risk among racially minoritized young adults is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if social comparison and subjective social rank predict suicidal thoughts.
• To examine if these associations are mediated by feelings of defeat and entrapment.
• To determine if these processes differ for racially minoritized young adults compared to White young adults.

Main Methods:

• Longitudinal study with 409 college students from predominantly White institutions.
• Online surveys administered at baseline and one-month follow-up.
• Participants reported moderate depressive symptoms and/or recent suicidal ideation.

Main Results:

• Perceived social rank emerged as a significant risk factor for suicidal thoughts across all racial groups.
• The mediating roles of defeat and entrapment in the link between social rank and suicidal thoughts were observed primarily among White students.
• Path analyses indicated differential psychological processes underlying suicide risk based on race.

Conclusions:

• Perceived social rank is crucial for understanding suicide risk in young adults.
• The psychological mechanisms linking social rank to suicidal thoughts may vary significantly across racial groups.
• Further research into how racially minoritized young adults form perceptions of social rank is essential for developing equitable suicide prevention interventions.