Introduction: Previous studies have confirmed the protective role of spirituality in suicide prevention., however, the effective psychological mechanisms require more precise investigation. The present applied research aimed to investigate the role of meaning in life as a predictor of suicide probability in adolescents, examining the potential mediating roles of resilience and cognitive emotion regulation.
Method: The statistical population in this descriptive-correlational study, included all female high school students studying in Qom city during the academic year 2022-2023, from whom 390 individuals were selected as the statistical sample through a multi-stage cluster sampling method. Data were collected using the Suicide Probability Scale, the Steger et al.'s Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ), the Child and Youth Resilience Measure (CYRM-28), and the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire.
Results: Statistical data analysis with SPSS version 26 and AMOS showed that the predictor variables explained 75% of the variance in suicide probability. The direct effect of meaning in life on suicide probability was strong and negative (β = −0.52). The indirect effect of meaning in life through resilience (β = −0.095) and through the maladaptive emotion-regulation strategy (β = −0.321) was also found to be negative and significant. In addition, the only significant indirect effect for meaning-seeking was its pathway through the maladaptive emotion-regulation strategy (β = 0.108).
Discussion and conclusion: The results highlight the important role of life meaning and resilience in suicide prevention. The findings can be applied in designing practical interventions aimed at promoting spiritual growth and enhancing resilience to prevent suicide.