Belongingness and Suicidal Ideation in College Students

Objective: In this study, the relationships between 3 specific domains of belongingness (ie, family, peers, and academic institution) were examined with respect to suicidal ideation. Participants: A sample (N = 249) of undergraduate students was recruited from a large, midwestern university during the Spring 2013 semester. Methods: Multiple regression analysis examined whether the 3 specific domains of belongingness (ie, family, peers, and academic institution) significantly contributed to explaining variance in suicidal ideation. Results: Findings indicated that the 3 domains of belongingness accounted for 9.4% of the variance for suicidal ideation. Family belongingness was the only domain of belongingness that made a significant, unique, and negative contribution to suicidal ideation. Conclusions: Students' family belongingness seems to have a significant role in their manifestation of suicidal ideation.