Gender differences in the network of suicidal ideation, interpersonal needs and depressive symptoms among Chinese college students

Interpersonal needs and depression are two recognized significant risk factors for suicidal ideation. Previous studies have preliminarily revealed the gender-dependent effects of interpersonal needs and depression on suicidal ideation. However, there are very few studies that place these variables within a single framework and apply symptom-level analysis to investigate the gender-dependent relationships among them. This study applied symptom-level network analysis to construct female and male networks using data from 781 female and 628 male young adults. The networks included interpersonal needs, depressive symptoms, and suicidal ideation. Key characteristics of networks, including edge connections, bridge expected influence (BEI), and global expected influence (GEI), were compared. The results suggested that gender significantly impacts edge connections, node BEI, and GEI of the final networks. Several significantly gender-dependent connections were disclosed, such as perceived burdensomeness (PB)-suicidal ideation, hopelessness-suicidal ideation, PB-sense of failure, and PB-sadness. PB (marginally) and thwarted belongingness show significant gender differences in their impact on depressive symptoms. The GEI of the female network is significantly greater than that of the male network. These findings offer valuable insights for modern theoretical frameworks examining gender differences in the connections between suicidal ideation, interpersonal needs, and depressive symptoms. Additionally, results provide empirical support for selecting screening, prevention, and intervention strategies for suicidal ideation and depression across genders.