Independent association of indirect self-destructiveness with suicidal behaviors in young adults

Abstract The study examines the role of indirect self-destructiveness and chronotype as potential predictors of suicidal behavior among young adults. A sample of 304 participants completed the Indirect Self-Destructiveness Scale (ISDS-25), Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R), morningness–eveningness-stability-scale improved, single item chronotyping (SIC), and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-30). Data analysis involved Pearson’s correlation coefficient, linear regression, and ANOVA. The results indicate that indirect self-destructiveness is a significant predictor of suicidal behavior, independent of general mental health status. In contrast, chronotype-related factors, such as Morning Affect and social jetlag, were found to be redundant in the linear regression model that included indirect self-destructiveness, general mental health, substance use, and sociodemographic variables. Significant difference in the severity of indirect self-destructiveness between the SIC groups was found, but it was not confirmed in a post hoc analysis. The study concludes that indirect self-destructiveness may represent an important factor in predicting suicidal behavior, independent of general mental health status, and thus may be incorporated into suicide risk assessments.