Psychological Risk Factors in the Transition from Suicidal Ideation to Suicidal Behavior in Young Adults

<b>Background:</b> Suicidal behaviour, defined as acting with the intention of killing oneself and thinking about doing so, is a serious public health problem. Being able to list the risk factors in the process from suicidal ideation to suicidal behaviour is important in preventing suicide. <b>Objectives:</b> The study was conducted to examine the psychological variables that discriminate between individuals who attempt suicide and those who only have suicidal ideation. <b>Methods:</b> The sample of the study consisted of 108 individuals who attempted suicide and 197 individuals with suicidal ideation, aged 18-25 years. Data were collected using the Demographic Information Form, Anger/Impulsivity (A/I) and Hopelessness/Loneliness (H/L) subscales of the Suicide Probability Scale (SPS), Psychological Pain Scale (PPS), State and Trait Anxiety Scale (STAS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire (INQ), Acquired Suicide Efficacy/Death Fearlessness Scale (ASE/DFS) and General Attitudes and Beliefs Scale Short Form (GABS-SF). <b>Results:</b> Results showed that anger/impulsivity (Wald = 4.827; <i>p</i> < 0.05), perceived burden on others (Wald = 8.613; <i>p</i> < 0.05), acquired suicide efficacy/death fearlessness (Wald = 13.377; <i>p</i> < 0.001), being female (Wald = 3.925; <i>p</i> < 0.05), presence of diagnosed psychiatric illness in the family (Wald = 5.705; <i>p</i> < 0.05), and receiving psychological support (Wald = 4.381. <i>p</i> < 0.05) variables are significant predictors of the transition from suicidal ideation to suicidal action. <b>Conclusions:</b> The identification of psychological factors between suicide attempters and suicide ideation groups may guide clinicians in the follow-up and treatment of individuals at risk of attempting suicide. In addition, the results may contribute to the development of new intervention, education and treatment programmes for suicide.