Factors associated with suicidal ideation in medical students, a literature review

Citlalli Anahí Zempoalteca Buenavista; Alfonso Reyes Garnica

Authors

Citlalli Anahí Zempoalteca Buenavista Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo https://orcid.org/0009-0001-9439-8616
Alfonso Reyes Garnica Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo

Keywords:

suicidal ideation, Suicidal behaviour, Medicine, Students, University

Abstract

Suicidal ideation in medical students is a behavior that has a direct impact on the academic performance and well-being of university students. Therefore, it is imperative to identify risk and protective factors that can have a positive influence on the regulation of such behavior, with the purpose of reducing suicide rates. The purpose of the present narrative review is to identify risk factors associated with suicidal ideation in medical students, as well as to describe their potential to modify the turnaround between suicidal behaviors. A literature review of descriptive studies conducted in medical students of basic cycles, clinical fields and medical internships at a global level was carried out. The factors associated with the generation of suicidal behaviors are presented grouped under the scheme proposed in the Volitional Motivational Model in three phases: the pre-motivational phase, the motivational phase and the volitional phase. It was found that approximately 25% of medical students had reported suicidal ideation, the most associated factors being academic dissatisfaction and depressive symptoms. Therefore, it is imperative to develop positive coping strategies among future health professionals.

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Publisher: Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo

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