A recent study highlights the alarming interaction between depression and languishing in increasing the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviours among students in higher education across the US. A team of international researchers conducted the study, which involved the analysis of data from over 100,000 emerging adult students. The results showed that those who experience both depression and a state of languishing have a significantly higher risk of suicide than their peers. The findings were published in the journal PLOS One.
The study draws on data from the Healthy Minds Study, a comprehensive survey that gathered responses from students aged 18 to 29 across 140 US colleges and universities during the 2020–2021 academic year. The results underscore the significant mental health challenges faced by students, particularly during the ongoing Covid pandemic, which has exacerbated feelings of isolation and anxiety.
The researchers concentrated on the interaction between two distinct psychological states: depression, which is well-known as a significant risk factor for suicide, and languishing, a lesser-known but equally worrying state characterised by a lack of purpose and fulfilment. Languishing, described as a “life of quiet despair”, sits on the opposite end of the spectrum from flourishing, a state of thriving and resilience.
According to the study, students who were both depressed and languishing had more than 15 times greater odds of experiencing suicidal ideation compared to those who were flourishing without depression. This interaction was not only significant for suicidal thoughts but also extended to the likelihood of making suicide plans and attempts, though the synergy was slightly less pronounced for actual suicide attempts.
The findings highlight the importance of addressing both depression and languishing in suicide prevention efforts. While depression is a well-known factor in suicide risk, the study suggests that the absence of positive psychological attributes, such as a sense of purpose and meaningful social connections, can independently and synergistically increase the risk of suicidal behaviour.
The researchers advocate for a dual approach to suicide prevention that focuses not only on reducing symptoms of depression but also on promoting mental wellness through interventions aimed at increasing flourishing. Such interventions might include programmes designed to enhance social support, develop coping skills, and foster a sense of meaning and purpose in life.
Moreover, the study suggests that flourishing interventions could serve as a valuable tool for universal suicide prevention. Unlike traditional mental health treatments, which may carry a stigma, promoting flourishing is broadly beneficial and can be more readily integrated into campus-wide initiatives. By normalising discussions around flourishing and providing accessible resources to enhance mental wellness, educational institutions can play a crucial role in reducing the overall risk of suicide among their student populations.
This study serves as a timely reminder of the need for comprehensive, proactive approaches to student wellbeing as universities and colleges continue to deal with the pandemic-exacerbated mental health crisis. By addressing both the negative and positive aspects of mental health, institutions can better support their students in navigating the challenges of emerging adulthood and reduce the tragic toll of suicide.
