Factors Influencing Suicidal Ideation among Nursing Students: A Cross-sectional Study

The present study aimed to examine the effects of depression, life stress, and self-esteem on suicidal ideation among nursing students.

A total of 105 nursing students participated in the study by completing a structured online questionnaire in December 2021. The questionnaire included validated Korean versions of scales measuring suicidal ideation, depression, life stress, and self-esteem. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation coefficients, and stepwise multiple regression analysis via the SPSS 25 version.

Significant differences in suicidal ideation were observed according to gender and academic year. Furthermore, life stress, depression, and self-esteem were all significantly correlated with suicidal ideation. Among these factors, depression and self-esteem emerged as significant predictors of suicidal ideation, accounting for 41% of the variance (F = 35.49, p < .001).

The findings highlight the importance of developing intervention programs that aim to alleviate depression and enhance self-esteem in order to mitigate suicidal ideation among nursing students.

These results suggest that comprehensive policies at both governmental and institutional levels are essential to support the mental health of university students and to prevent suicide among young adults in higher education.