Understanding suicidal ideation among non-heterosexual students: A network analysis of the minority stress and integrated motivational-volitional models

This cross-sectional study examined relationships between constructs from the Minority stress model and the Integrated motivational-volitional (IMV) model in relation to suicidal ideation among 452 non-heterosexual university students in Lithuania. Participants completed instruments assessing minority-related stressors, IMV constructs, and suicidal ideation over the past month. Network analysis showed that entrapment and perceived burdensomeness were directly linked to suicidal ideation, whereas minority stressors were indirectly related via IMV constructs, with generally weak associations. Expected influence centrality highlighted acceptance concerns, family support, and thwarted belongingness as key nodes, while bridge expected influence identified family support and perceived burdensomeness as primary connectors between models. These findings suggest that intervention efforts may benefit from targeting IMV-related variables, while prevention strategies should address minority stressors. The results offer practical directions for suicide prevention and intervention among non-heterosexual young adults, particularly within higher education contexts.