Introduction: Understanding and identifying suicidal ideation among students with symptoms of borderline personality disorder (BPD) can aid in developing effective interventions.
Aim: This study aimed to assess the fit of a structural model of suicidal ideation in undergraduate students with BPD symptoms.
Methods: This descriptive–correlational study used structural equation modeling (path analysis). The population comprised undergraduate students with BPD symptoms at Azad University, Sanandaj, during the 2022–2023 academic year. A purposive sample of 288 students completed the Suicidal Ideation Questionnaire, Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, Cognitive Distortions Questionnaire, Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, and BPD Symptom Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using path analysis in SPSS-26 and AMOS-26.
Results: Impulsivity and negative cognitive emotion-regulation strategies had significant and positive direct effects on suicidal ideation (t=8.15, p<.001; t=6.52, p<.001), whereas positive strategies had a significant negative direct effect (t=−5.81, p<.05). Cognitive distortions also showed a significant positive direct effect (t=3.12, p<.001). Indirect effects of impulsivity and cognitive distortions on suicidal ideation through emotion-regulation strategies were also significant (p<.05).
Conclusion: Impulsivity, cognitive distortions, and negative emotion-regulation strategies are strong predictors of suicidal ideation, while positive strategies serve a protective role. Strengthening positive emotion-regulation skills in students with BPD symptoms is recommended to reduce suicidal ideation.