Examination of the Mediating Role of Attachment Dimensions in the Link between Suicide Probability and Cognitive Distortions about Relationships in University Students

Abstract

Suicide, which is defined as an individual's intentionally attempting to end his or her life, is considered an important public health problem. In this study, it was aimed to examine the relationship between cognitive distortions and suicide probability in university students who are in age groups at risk for suicide, and to examine the mediating roles of the attachment dimensions of anxiety and avoidance, in this relationship. The study group consisted of 441 university students. In the study, Suicide Probability Scale, Experiences in Close Relationships Inventory, Cognitive Distortions in Relationships Scale and a personal information form were used as data collection tools. In accordance with the purpose of the study, a correlation analysis between variables and regression analyses were applied to examine the mediating roles of avoidance and anxiety in the relationship between cognitive distortions and suicide probability. The findings showed that there was a moderate positive correlational relationship between suicide probability scores and avoidance scores and there was a moderate positive correlational relationship between suicide probability scores and cognitive distortion scores. It was shown that there were low and moderate positive correlations between cognitive distortion scores, and avoidance and anxiety scores. The results of the mediation analyses showed that anxiety and avoidance had a partial mediating role in the relationship between cognitive distortion and suicide probability. The results were discussed in light of the literature.