Protective behavioral strategies as a protective factor against suicidal ideation among college student drinkers

Abstract

Objective: Research shows that alcohol use is linked to suicidal ideation (SI), while depression is strongly associated with SI. Protective behavioral strategies (PBS) are safe drinking strategies. PBS are broadly protective across alcohol-related problems; however, it is unclear if these effects extend to those at risk for SI. We hypothesized that alcohol use and depressive symptoms would be risk factors for SI, and that these factors would moderate the effects of PBS. PBS was hypothesized to be protective for individuals with elevated depressive symptoms and alcohol use. Participants: College student drinkers (n = 990; M age = 19.97, SD = 3.75) from a Southeastern University. Methods: Participants completed an online survey inquiring about demographics, depressive symptoms, SI, alcohol use, and PBS use. Results: Depressive symptoms were associated with an increased likelihood of SI; however, alcohol use was not. PBS were most protective for individuals with high levels of alcohol use and/or depressive symptoms. Conclusions: PBS may be protective for heavier drinkers who are at heightened risk for SI.

Keywords:

• Alcohol
• depression
• protective behavioral strategies
• suicidal ideation

Acknowledgments

All authors have read and approve of the final manuscript. ADL developed the primary hypotheses; conducted the formal analyses; wrote the majority of the introduction, methods, results, and discussion. RS collected the data; wrote a portion of the discussion; assisted with revisions. AVL assisted in writing a portion of the discussion. EKB contributed to the introduction and revisions of the discussion. JLC assisted in writing the abstract and a portion of the discussion. RDD collected the data; supervised the analysis; assisted in writing all sections.

Conflict of interest disclosure

Authors have no conflicts of interest. The authors confirm that the research presented in this article met the ethical guidelines, including adherence to the legal requirements, of the United States of America and received approval from the Institutional Review Board of The University of Central Florida.

Funding

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program under Grant No. (2035702) for AVL. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.