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Background: Little is known about the role of protective factors in suicidal ideation among medical students. This study aimed to examine the association between suicidal ideation and protective (self-esteem/ego-resiliency/social support) and risk (depression/social anxiety) factors. Methods: Data on sociodemographic factors, depression, social anxiety, self-esteem, ego-resiliency, social support, and current suicidal ideation were collected from 408 medical students. A logistic regression model was constructed to identify the independent impact of potential influencing factors on suicidal ideation. Potential moderating effects were also explored. Results: Thirty-eight participants (9.3%) reported experiencing suicidal ideation. Younger age, higher levels of depression, social anxiety, and lower levels of self-esteem, ego-resiliency, and social support were found to be significantly correlated with suicidal ideation. In the final model, higher levels of depression and social anxiety were associated with an increased risk of suicidal ideation, while higher levels of self-esteem and social support were associated with a decreased risk of suicidal ideation. Although the independent effect was not significant, the interactions of ego-resiliency with both depression and social anxiety on suicidal ideation were significant. Higher levels of ego-resiliency acted as a buffer against suicidal ideation among those with higher levels of depression or social anxiety. Conclusions: In addition to risk factors, this study revealed the underlying protective and moderating factors of suicidal ideation among medical students. Mental health programs focusing on enhancing ego-resiliency, self-esteem, and social support may contribute to suicide prevention in medical students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to identify the level of stress, ego-resiliency (ER), and coping strategies of university students during the onset of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and examine the mediating role of ER in the relationship between stress and coping strategies (e.g., problem-solving, social support seeking, and avoidance). We analyzed responses from 160 university students and found that problem-solving was the most common coping strategy (26.02 ± 4.65), followed by social support-seeking (25.08 ± 5.23), and avoidance (19.21 ± 3.78). ER was negatively associated with stress and showed a mediating effect on the relationship between stress and social support, and stress and problem-solving coping strategies. These findings indicate that ER helps decrease stress caused by the pandemic among university students and should be considered a significant factor for developing adaptive stress coping strategies. • ER had a negative association with stress. • ER mediated stress and problem-solving, and stress and social support-seeking. • Problem-solving was the most common coping strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problem gambling has been recognized as an emerging problem among adolescents, however it is less understood among "emerging adults" (e.g., college students) despite the increased availability and accessibility of gambling venues to this age group. This study examines the effects of risk and protective factors on problem gambling among college students with the following two research questions: (1) what are the associations between risk factors (depressive symptoms, alcohol use, friends' attitude toward gambling) and problem gambling? and (2) what are the moderating roles of protective factors (ego-resiliency, perceived social support) on the associations between risk factors and problem gambling? Using hierarchical multiple regression analysis with data from three universities in South Korean (n = 512) and simple slope tests, this study found that all risk factors were significantly associated with problem gambling. Both protective factors showed moderating effects between depressive symptoms, alcohol use, and problem gambling. The findings suggest that improving ego-resiliency among college students and providing social support may prevent college students from developing gambling problems. Findings suggest the need to develop strength-based program, promote collaboration between campus and local agencies, and establish professional service agencies targeting problem gambling. • Despite increased accessibility of gambling among emerging adults, problem gambling is not understood. • This study examines the effects of risk and protective factors on problem gambling among college students. • Findings showed that depressive symptoms, alcohol use, and friends' attitude toward gambling affected problem gambling. • Ego-resiliency and perceived social support moderated between depressive symptoms, alcohol use, and problem gambling. • Improving ego-resiliency and providing social support may prevent college students from developing gambling problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]