Prior suicide attempts mark higher subsequent attempt risk among UK university students

The Nurture-U longitudinal study followed 3,295 students at five UK universities through autumn and spring surveys conducted during 2021–2024. Researchers assessed suicidal ideation and attempts using Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale items and examined demographic, psychosocial and mental health factors. Analyses used regression models with multiple imputation and case–control analyses for smaller subgroups.

At baseline, 45.5% reported lifetime suicidal ideation and 9.5% reported a previous attempt. Among students with lifetime ideation at baseline, 61.1% did not report ideation in spring; new-onset ideation occurred in 3.5% of participants. During the academic year, 1.3% of students with prior ideation only reported an attempt, compared with 10.5% of those with a previous attempt. Increases in depressive symptoms and rumination were associated with new attempts at follow-up.

The findings highlight the importance of previous attempt history and changing symptoms when assessing students’ support needs. The authors concluded that ideation alone had limited specificity for identifying those most likely to make subsequent attempts, supporting targeted support and ongoing symptom monitoring. However, these observational, self-reported data do not establish causation or demonstrate the effectiveness of a particular prevention strategy. Findings from the participating universities may not generalise to all students.