Differentiation of suicide outcomes using network analysis: The role of non-suicidal self-injury characteristics, negative affective states, and stressful life experiences

J Am Coll Health. 2025 Nov 3:1-14. doi: 10.1080/07448481.2025.2577662. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Objective: To evaluate the role of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) characteristics, negative affective states, and stressful life experiences (SLEs) in differentiating risk for suicidal ideation (SI) vs suicide attempt (SA) in college students. Participants: College students (n = 1,940; 1,493 women, 447 men) from a Florida university. Methods: Participants recruited via email completed an online survey. Network analysis was used to estimate and compare four risk networks. Results: Cutting, trauma, worthlessness, and depression were directly associated with both SI and SA, with cutting demonstrating the strongest associations. Cutting and discrimination were uniquely associated with SA, while burning and anger were uniquely associated with SI. Several gender differences were identified in associations between suicide risk factors. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the role of gender in differentiating NSSI features associated with suicide risk. Moreover, they emphasize the need to evaluate NSSI method and SLEs, particularly cutting and discrimination, in suicide risk assessment for college students.

PMID:41184001 | DOI:10.1080/07448481.2025.2577662