A serial mediation model of failure mindset and suicidal ideation among undergraduate students: The impact of meaning in life and spiritual coping

The association between a failure mindset and suicidal ideation is well-documented, yet the mediating roles of existential and coping mechanisms remain underexplored. This study investigates the serial mediation effects of meaning in life and spiritual coping on the relationship between failure mindset and suicidal ideation among undergraduate students. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 783 Chinese undergraduates (M_age = 19.92, SD = 2.29). The measures included the Failure Mindset Scale, the Meaning in Life Scale, the Spiritual Coping Scale, and the Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation. Using Model 6 of Hayes' PROCESS macro, the results indicated a significant direct effect of failure mindset on suicidal ideation (β = 0.442, p < 0.001). Furthermore, the serial mediation analysis revealed that meaning in life and spiritual coping sequentially mediated the relationship between failure mindset and suicidal ideation (Effect = 0.021, 95 % CI: 0.001 to 0.019). Independently, both meaning in life (Effect = 0.054, 95 % CI: 0.027 to 0.079) and spiritual coping (Effect = 0.043, 95 % CI: 0.012 to 0.074) significantly mediated the relationship. These findings highlight the intricate relationship between cognitive processes and coping mechanisms, providing theoretical insights and practical guidance for improving university students' well-being through interventions focused on life meaning and spiritual coping strategies.