Suicide has long been recognized as a significant public health concern across countries worldwide. Although it has been extensively studied over the years, the World Health Organization (WHO, 2025) disclosed that the availability and quality of data on suicide and self-harm are poor. The present study examined the mediating roles of extraversion and neuroticism in the relationship between thwarted belongingness and suicidal ideation among university students. A total of 354 respondents from various colleges and universities in Metro Manila, Philippines, completed standardized questionnaires. Using mediation analysis via PROCESS Model 4 (Hayes, 2022), findings revealed that both personality traits served as partial mediators between thwarted belongingness and suicidal ideation. As expected, neuroticism heightened vulnerability to suicidal ideation, consistent with its established role as a risk factor. Surprisingly, extraversion, which is typically considered a protective trait, was also found to have a positive association with suicidal ideation. These unexpected finding provides insight into why some individuals who appear happy, sociable, and energetic when surrounded by others may still harbor hidden suicidal thoughts and, in some cases, take their own lives.

Authors:
Angielyn Petere, New Era University, Philippines
Bill Chislev Jeff Cabrera, New Era University, Philippines

About the Presenter(s)
Bill Chislev Jeff J. Cabrera is a licensed Psychometrician and Psychologist, PhD in Clinical Psychology student, Professor at New Era University, and practicing clinician providing assessment and intervention for children and adult clients.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-chislev-jeff-cabrera-182b63143
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Bill-Chislev-Jeff-Cabrera-4

Angielyn O. Petere is a Registered Psychometrician, Guidance Counselor, and Psychology Professor. She is the Founder of RGC CONNECT INC., providing research-based skills development for guidance associates and counseling services to individuals.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/angielynpetere
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Angielyn-Petere-2

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-chislev-jeff-cabrera-182b63143

Connect on ResearchGate
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Bill-Chislev-Jeff-Cabrera-4

See this presentation on the full schedule – Monday Schedule

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