Abstract
Suicide is a global public health issue, and college students, especially first-year undergraduates, face heightened risk during the transition from adolescence to adulthood. This study examined the relationships among trait depression, impulsivity, and suicidal ideation in 368 first-year students at a Hebei university. Using descriptive statistics, correlations, regression, and mediation analysis, it found that 7.9% reported suicidal ideation, with females showing higher rates than males. Trait depression was more prevalent in females, particularly in anhedonia, while high-income students had lower cognitive impulsivity. Anhedonia and dysthymia in trait depression strongly correlated with impulsivity dimensions, especially non-planning impulsivity. Both depression dimensions were directly linked to suicidal ideation, with dysthymia showing the strongest association. Impulsivity influenced suicidal ideation indirectly via anhedonia and dysthymia. Based on these findings, a cognitive-behavioral intervention program was proposed to correct maladaptive cognitions, enhance emotional regulation, and reduce suicidal risk.
