Linking Psychological Strain and Suicide Ideation: A Test of the Mediating Effect of Self-Determination among Chinese Workers

Psychosocial causes of suicidal ideation among those who do not have diagnosable mental illnesses remain largely unexplored. Synthesizing the strain theory of suicide and self-determination theory, this research tested a multiple mediator model linking psychological strain with suicidal ideation via three basic psychological need satisfaction. Data from 750 professional employees in China support for the partially mediated effects of psychological strain via need satisfaction of competence and relatedness. These findings contribute to understanding Chinese employees' suicidal ideation from positive psychology perspective that is distinct from what is known from psychopathology.