Examining the Relationship between Academic Expectations and Suicidal Ideation among College Students in India Using the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide.

OBJECTIVE: As the second most populous country in the world, India accounts for over 20% of the global suicide deaths. Notably, young adults make up 38% of those who die by suicide in India. Yet, the literature on factors associated with suicide within this age group in India is limited. The Interpersonal Theory of Suicide (IPTS) posits thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness as constructs that heighten the risk for suicide. Testing mechanisms that may mediate the relationship between common stressors for young adults in India, such as academic expectations, and suicidal ideation are important to better understand factors contributing to suicide risk within this country. METHOD: Indian college students (N = 432, Mage = 19.41, 73.1% male) completed questionnaires on academic expectations, thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, collectivism, and suicidal ideation. RESULTS: Current suicidal ideation was endorsed at a rate of 38%. Academic expectancy from the self, perceived burdensomeness, and thwarted belongingness was significantly associated with suicidal ideation. The only significantly mediated pathway was academic expectancy from others to suicidal ideation through perceived burdensomeness. Collectivism was not a significant moderator in the model. DISCUSSION: The sample endorsed high rates of suicidal ideation, highlighting the need for culturally appropriate interventions. Thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, and academic expectations from oneself may be relevant treatment targets for reducing suicidal ideation among college students in India.HIGHLIGHTSOver one-third of Indian university students endorsed suicidal ideation.Suicidal ideation related to one's own more than others' academic expectations.Results offer support for the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide within this context.

Videoconferencing-delivered psychological intervention for the treatment of COVID-19 related psychological distress in University students: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial in India.

BACKGROUND: The mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have been profound. This paper outlines the study protocol for a trial that tests the efficacy of a brief group-based psychological intervention (Coping with COVID; CWC), relative to Supportive Counselling, to reduce distress associated with COVID-19 in a young adult population in Bangalore, India. METHODS: A single-blind, parallel, randomized controlled trial will be carried out via video conferencing in a small group format. Following informed consent, adults that screen positive for levels of psychological distress (Kessler 10 (K-10 score ≥ 20) and have access to a videoconferencing platform will be randomised to an adapted version of CWC (n = 90) or Supportive Counselling (SC) (n = 90). The primary outcome will be reduction in psychological distress including anxiety and depression at 2-months post treatment. Secondary outcomes include worry, positive wellbeing, and stress in relation to COVID-19. DISCUSSION: This treatment trial will assess whether CWC will result in reduced distress relative to Supportive Counselling in a young adult population in Bangalore, India. This study will yield important insights into the role of nonspecific factors versus the intervention's components in impacting COVID-19 related distress. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial was prospectively registered on the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12621001064897). ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethics approval has been obtained from the participating institution, CHRIST University in Bangalore. Results of the trial will be submitted for publication in peer reviewed journals and findings presented at scientific conferences and to key service providers and policy makers.

Examining psychometric properties of the Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire among college students in India.

BACKGROUND: With the second-highest population in the world, suicide-related deaths in India are high, and adults under 30 are particularly at an increased risk. However, empirical examinations of factors contributing to suicide in India and assessments of reliability and validity of self-report measures assessing these constructs are rare. AIMS: The present study examined the psychometric properties of the Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire (INQ). MATERIALS & METHODS: Undergraduate students in India (N = 432) completed the INQ and questionnaires assessing suicidal ideation, depression, fearlessness about death, and pain tolerance. RESULTS: Confirmatory factor analyses of the 15-item INQ indicated that after removing three items assessing perceived burdensomeness, the two-factor structure of INQ demonstrated acceptable fit with good internal consistency for each of the subscales (α = .84-.90). In line with the interpersonal-psychological theory of suicidal behavior (IPTS), thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness interacted to predict suicidal ideation. Additionally, these constructs were positively associated with suicidal ideation and depression, and weakly correlated with fearlessness about death and pain tolerance. DISCUSSION: Results support the relevance of the IPTS for understanding suicidal ideation among college students in India. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that modified INQ demonstrates strong internal consistency, as well as good construct, criterion, and discriminant validity among Indian college students.