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Meaning in life and suicidal ideation are bidirectionally and negatively associated during adolescence, and this relationship exhibits significant gender differences. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.INCREMENTAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

September 2, 2026European Journal of Developmental Psychology

Gender differences in the bidirectional relationship between meaning in life and suicidal ideation among adolescents: a two-wave longitudinal study

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To examine the longitudinal bidirectional relationship between meaning in life and suicidal ideation among adolescents, including prospective gender differences.
A two-wave cross-lagged panel design surveyed 1,282 adolescents (mean age = 13.43 years, SD = 0.70) across a six-month follow-up interval.
Participants completed the Meaning in Life Questionnaire and the Depressive Symptom Inventory Suicidality Subscale at both time points.
Meaning in life at baseline negatively predicted suicidal ideation at six months, and baseline suicidal ideation negatively predicted subsequent meaning in life, confirming a bidirectional relationship.
Multigroup cross-lagged analyses demonstrated statistically significant gender differences in the predictive paths between meaning in life and suicidal ideation.

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Implication

Longitudinal study reveals bidirectional links between meaning in life and suicidal ideation in adolescents, suggesting life purpose serves as a vital target for suicide prevention.

Cite This Study

Liu et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a97e237c562ede874ec63d1 https://doi.org/10.1080/17405629.2026.2720636

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Implication

Longitudinal study reveals bidirectional links between meaning in life and suicidal ideation in adolescents, suggesting life purpose serves as a vital target for suicide prevention.

Gender differences in the bidirectional relationship between meaning in life and suicidal ideation among adolescents: a two-wave longitudinal study

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Discussion

Implication

Cite This Study

Gender differences in the bidirectional relationship between meaning in life and suicidal ideation among adolescents: a two-wave longitudinal study

Key Points

Discussion

Implication

Cite This Study

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