Impact of Deteriorating Emotional Well-Being on Suicide Risk Among University Students in Ecuador

Abstract

The study aimed to examine the relationship between psychological well-being and suicide risk among university students at a higher education institution in Ecuador. A quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional, and correlational design was employed. The sample comprised 321 students selected through non-probability convenience sampling. The Mental Health Inventory-5 (MHI-5) and Plutchik's Suicide Risk Scale were used to evaluate the primary variables. Results indicated that 23.4% of participants exhibited suicide risk and 61.1% showed impaired mental health. A statistically significant inverse correlation was found between psychological well-being and suicide risk. These findings underscore the importance of promoting mental health prevention and intervention programs within the university setting, emphasizing the strengthening of psychological well-being as a protective factor against suicide.