Mediating Role of Emotion Regulation on the Relationship between Fear of Negative Evaluation, Thwarted Belongingness, Perceived Burdensomeness, and Suicidal Ideation

Abstract

Suicide prevention research is extensive, yet studies that specifically examine the role of emotion regulation as a mediator remain limited. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the mediating role of emotion regulation on the relationship among fear of negative evaluation (FNE), thwarted belongingness (TB), perceived burdensomeness (PB), and suicidal ideation. The study adopted a cross-sectional study design. The participants were 291 (148 males (50.86%) and 143 females (49.14%)) undergraduate students selected using a convenience sampling technique. Their ages ranged from 18-30 years (Mean age = 22.38, SD= 2.90). The Suicide Ideation Scale-Revised, the Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire, the Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation Questionnaire, and the Brief Emotion Regulation Scale (cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression subscales) were used for data collection. Data were analysed using Model 4 of the Hayes PROCESS Macro in SPSS version 25. The findings of the study showed that FNE, TB, PB, and expressive suppression were positively associated with suicidal ideation, while cognitive reappraisal was negatively associated with suicidal ideation. Expressive suppression partially mediated the relationship among FNE, TB, and suicidal ideation. Cognitive reappraisal partially mediated the relationship among FNE, PB, and suicidal ideation. The findings of the study have a strong implication for mental health providers and anti-suicide advocators, as they contribute to the understanding of factors that exacerbate suicidal ideation among undergraduate students. The study also highlights the need for familiarising students with more adaptive coping mechanisms to face the pressures of university life.