Time-related differences and influencing factors of acute stress symptoms in university students exposed to suicide

Although clarifying the immediate psychological impact on students exposed to suicide is essential, standardized suicide postvention protocols in university settings are currently lacking. This study examined the temporal differences and contributing factors in the psychological impact of suicide exposure among university students using postvention records from a single Japanese university.

We collected and analyzed the records of 32 student suicide cases at Shinshu University between 2009 and 2023. Of these, 10 were selected for further analysis based on the availability of both postvention interview records and scores from the Japanese-language version of the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R-J). Among the 136 students who received postvention support, data from 129 students exposed to suicide were included in the analysis. Time-related differences in the initial IES-R-J scores were analyzed using analysis of variance, and the factors influencing the scores were examined using multiple regression analysis.

Postvention was implemented in 17 of 32 suicide cases. In the 10 selected cases, higher IES-R-J scores were associated with being female, discovering or witnessing the suicide, fewer days elapsed since the suicide, a documented relationship with the deceased, and personal vulnerability noted in records.

This study identified key factors associated with acute stress responses among university students exposed to suicide. Although symptoms generally decline over time, several factors were associated with increased severity. Suicide prevention in universities should prioritize support for individuals at greater risk based on the risk factors identified in this study.