Exploring the Dynamics of Suicidal Ideation, Negative Emotional States, Uncertainty, Work Overload, Illusion for Study, and Persistence among University Students during COVID-19: A Comprehensive Study

Abstract

This study explores the complex interplay of suicidal ideation, negative emotional states, uncertainty due to COVID-19, remote work overload, illusion for study, and persistence among university students during the initial peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Utilizing a sample of 17,057 Mexican university students. This research uses a structural equation modeling to determine the influence of uncertainty due to COVID-19 as a latent variable in the negative emotional states and persistence (as mediating variables) vs. suicidal ideation as a dependent variable. The six variables are related through hypotheses and tested using partial least squares and path analysis. We used an adapted questionnaire sent by email. Findings show that uncertainty due to COVID-19 had a direct and significant influence on Negative Emotional States and a significant inverse effect on persistence; in the trajectory, suicidal ideation is explained. Our findings highlight the indirect impact of persistence on suicidal ideation through the lens of COVID-19-induced uncertainty. Additionally, we emphasize the substantial relationships between suicidal intent on negative emotional states and remote work overload. These results underscore the need to integrate these factors into the design of prevention and therapeutic interventions.