Peer acceptance influence suicidal ideation through negative affect and rumination among Chinese adolescents: a network analysis and a serial mediation model

Recent studies have consistently supported the significant link between peer acceptance and non-suicidal self-injury. However, few studies have delved into the mechanisms connecting peer acceptance and suicidal ideation in adolescents. This study seeks to explore how peer acceptance influences Chinese adolescents’ suicidal ideation through the serial mediation of negative affect and rumination. Additionally, network analysis was employed to scrutinize the network structure and interrelationships between negative affect and rumination. Data were collected from 448 Chinese adolescents (Female: 49.33%, Male: 50.67%; M_age = 15.83, SD = 1.61; range: 11–18 years) completed questionnaires on peer acceptance, suicide ideation, negative affect and rumination. The results showed that negative affect and rumination act as sequential mediators in the association between peer acceptance and suicide ideation. Using network analysis techniques, four key bridge indicators (SR11 “Think about how angry you are with yourself,” SR3 “Think about your feelings of fatigue and achiness,” NA9 “Irritable,” and NA3 “Upset”) were identified as linking negative emotion and rumination. These findings enhance our understanding of how peer acceptance impacts suicide ideation and the underlying mechanisms involved. Implications for prevention and intervention are discussed.