Psychological vulnerability, emotional problems, and quality-of-life: Validation of the brief suicide cognitions scale for Turkish college students

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine the reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the Brief Suicide Cognitions Scale (BSCS-T) and to explore the mediating role of emotional problems in the relationship between psychological vulnerability and suicide cognitions and quality of life among Turkish young adults. Participants were 418 students in Türkiye. The sample included 181 female (43.3%) and 237 male (56.7%) students aged 18–35 years (mean = 22.86, SD = 3.03). The results provided evidence to support the use of the BSCS-T as a means of identifying young people at high risk of suicide. Furthermore, the results showed that psychological vulnerability significantly and positively predicted emotional problems and suicidal cognitions among college students. In addition, psychological vulnerability negatively predicted students’ quality of life, and emotional problems played a mediating role between psychological vulnerability and both suicide cognitions and quality of life. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to reduce suicide risk and improve psychological well-being. Further research in this area can contribute to suicide prevention efforts and the development of effective strategies to support at-risk individuals in college settings.