Exploring The Nexus: Pathological Narcissism, Substance Abuse, and Self-Regulation as Predictors of Suicidal Ideation in College Students

Abstract

Abstract The study explored the predictors of suicidal ideation among university undergraduates focusing on the roles of narcissism, substance usage, and self-regulation. A correlational approach was adopted for the study. A total of 1,411 undergraduates selected through a multistage random sampling from three Nigerian universities participated in the study. Suicide Ideation Scale (α= .76), The Short Self-Regulation Questionnaire (α=.87), Drug Abuse Screening Test (α=.7), and Pathological Narcissism Inventory (α=.94) were used to gather information from the participants. Data collected were subjected to statistical screening through the Pearson Product Moment Correlation and multiple regression. The outcomes showed that a combination of the three main predictors explained a total of 32% (R2=.322; F(4,1406)= 166.557; p.01) of the variance in suicide ideation. Narcissistic Grandiosity (β= -.507; t= -14.945, P0.01), and Self-regulatory Behaviour (β= -.155; t= -6.411, P0.01) inversely predicted suicidal ideation while Narcissistic Vulnerability (β= .573; t= 16.864, P0.01), and Substance Abuse (β= .274; t= 11.453, P0.01) positively predicted it. The findings underscore the need for comprehensive mental health support systems that address the underlying psychological factors contributing to suicidal ideation.

Keywords

• narcissistic grandiosity
• narcissistic vulnerability
• pathological narcissism
• self-regulation
• substance usage
• suicidal ideation