The effects of Identity Styles on Suicidal Thoughts among University Students

Abstract

Introduction: The present study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between identity styles that individuals form during their adolescence and maturity with their suicidal thoughts. Additionally, the role of other factors like gender and familial factors has been evaluated.Method: The participants were 330 students of Shahid Beheshti University that answered ISI and GHQ-28 questionnaires.Results: The results indicate that there is a significant difference between girls and boys in suicidal thoughts, nevertheless, when sex and identity styles were entered into the regression with commitment, the only predictor that negatively predicts suicidal thoughts is commitment. Also parental divorce predicts suicidal thought positively.Conclusions: As results indicate, commitment has a significant effect in prevention from suicidal thoughts as far as it can eliminate the effects of other identity styles.