Body uneasiness and suicide risk in a non-clinical sample of university students

Attitudes and feelings towards the body may be a source of pleasure and well-being; on the other hand, bodily dissatisfaction may lead to suffering, depression and even suicide. The study population consisted of 500 university students (190 males, 310 females); mean age of participants was 21.62 (SD=2.70). Participants were assessed by means of the Body Uneasiness Test (BUT), the Reason for Living Inventory (RFL), and the Zung Self Depression Scale (SDS). Data underline a linear relationship between uneasiness linked to body image and possible suicide risk. Such evidence suggests that body uneasiness can be a source of psychological pain and in serious cases expose the individuals to an increased suicide risk. Yet, depression was the strongest correlate of increased suicide risk.