A Systematic Review of Attitudes Toward Suicide Among University Students

Background: Suicide is a major mental health concern, particularly among university students facing unique stressors. Understanding their attitudes toward suicide is essential for effective prevention, yet the existing literature lacks a systematic review on this population. This review synthesises and evaluates the literature on attitudes toward suicide among university students. Methods: A systematic search was conducted on four databases (MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed) using Medical Subject Headings terms and keywords identified from previous studies. The search, conducted in February 2024, included studies published between 2014 and 2024. One researcher screened the titles and abstracts, while two independent researchers extracted the data. Twenty-one articles (N participants = 13,424) were selected for further assessment. Quantitative designs were the most common (n = 18), followed by qualitative (n = 2) and mixed-method designs (n = 1), spanning multiple regions. Themes were derived by organising findings into thematic categories based on recurring patterns across the studies. Results: Two core themes emerged: Factors associated with attitudes toward suicide and their associations with suicide outcomes. Conclusions: The review underscores the need for culturally sensitive approaches to address negative attitudes toward suicide and promote help-seeking among university students, highlighting the importance of further research in this area.