Clinical Psychology and Personality

Clinical Psychology and Personality

Predicting Suicide Probability in Adolescents Based on Meaning in Life with the Mediation of Resilience and Cognitive Emotion Regulation

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 PhD in Psychology, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, Iran
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Moral Philosophy, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, University of Qom, Qom, Iran
3 Department of Psychology, Faculty of Behavioral Sciences, Research Institute of the Seminary and University, Qom, Iran
Abstract
Introduction: Previous studies have confirmed the protective role of spirituality in suicide prevention; however, the underlying psychological mechanisms require more precise investigation. The present applied research aimed to examine the role of meaning in life as a predictor of suicide probability in adolescents, exploring the potential mediating effects 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 2022–2023 academic year. From this population, 390 individuals were selected as the sample using a multi-stage cluster sampling method. Data were collected using the Suicide Probability Scale, Steger et al.'s Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ), the Child and Youth Resilience Measure (CYRM-28), and the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire.
Results: Results from statistical data analysis using SPSS version 26 and AMOS indicated that the predictor variables accounted for 75% of the variance in suicide probability. The direct effect of meaning in life on suicide probability was strong and negative (β = −0.52). Additionally, the indirect effects of meaning in life through resilience (β = −0.095) and through maladaptive emotion-regulation strategies (β = −0.321) were also negative and significant. Furthermore, the only significant indirect effect of meaning-seeking was its pathway through maladaptive emotion-regulation strategies (β = 0.108).
Discussion and conclusion: The results underscore the crucial role of life meaning and resilience in suicide prevention. These findings can inform the development of practical interventions focused on promoting spiritual growth and strengthening resilience to reduce suicide risk.
Keywords

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