Suicidal Ideation Among Chinese College Students over a Decade

The rapid economic growth in China has resulted in significant societal and psychological transformations. Our longitudinal study, conducted over a decade at a Chinese university, aims to elucidate the evolving patterns of suicidal ideation and other mental health outcomes among different cohorts. Our findings underscore the declining prevalence of suicidal ideation and depression, accompanied by relative stability or even slight increases in optimism, self-esteem, and perceived social support across various demographic variables. These results suggest that fostering stable and positive mental health states within the context of economic growth can effectively prevent and mitigate the risk of suicidal ideation among college students. Furthermore, our study highlights the imperative for increased public health campaigns and interventions within universities to address mental health challenges faced by students.