Attachment, Physical Leisure, and Suicidal Ideation in Emerging Adulthood: Evidence from University Students.

Abstract

University students are particularly vulnerable to mental health problems during emerging adulthood, and suicidal ideation represents a major public health concern. This study examined the relationships among attachment styles, leisure activities, social network use, and suicidal ideation in Chilean university students, considering the role of biological sex. A cross-sectional, descriptive-correlational design was employed with a sample of 1096 students aged 18-29 years. Participants completed measures of suicidal ideation, adult attachment, and leisure activities. Descriptive statistics, chi-square analyses, ANOVA, and binary logistic regression models were conducted. Results revealed a high prevalence of medium-to-high suicidal ideation (55.9%) and insecure attachment styles (63.5%). Women reported higher levels of insecure attachment, a greater risk of suicidal ideation, and lower participation in physical leisure activities than men. Insecure attachment was significantly associated with a higher likelihood of suicidal ideation, whereas participation in physical leisure activities was associated with a lower likelihood of suicidal ideation. Logistic regression analyses confirmed that both attachment style and physical leisure remained significant predictors of suicidal ideation after controlling for sex. No significant associations were found between suicidal ideation and daily internet use or most social network variables. These findings highlight the relevance of relational and behavioral factors in understanding suicidal ideation and underscore the potential value of promoting physical leisure activities and identifying insecure attachment early as areas for further research and intervention in university populations.