Stress and hope distinguish individuals with suicidal plan from suicide ideators among Chinese college students

Suicide among college students is a significant public health concern in China. While suicidal ideation serves as a crucial predictor of subsequent suicidal plans and behaviors, it is important to recognize that most instances of suicidal ideation may only be fleeting thoughts that do not progress to an actual plan. Therefore, it is imperative to identify the factors associated with the transition from suicidal ideation to a concrete plan. Consequently, this study aims to investigate whether certain frequently cited factors can differentiate individuals who have formulated a specific suicidal plan from those who have experienced suicidal thoughts without planning, based on data obtained through a cross-sectional survey.