Suicidal Ideation and Mental Health Treatment in Young Adults: A Study on Social Determinants of Health

Fresh data on mental health diseases and conditions have been presented in a new report from Villanova University, highlighting the importance of social determinants of health in predicting suicidal ideation and treatment utilization among young adults. According to the research, individuals with less education, rural residence, housing instability, exposure to community drug activity, and infrequent religious service attendance are more likely to experience suicidal ideation. Conversely, those with insurance, college education, and reported greater impairment are more likely to receive treatment. The study underscores the influence of structural and community-level conditions on suicide risk and mental health care utilization in this vulnerable population.

Key Takeaways:

• The study found that individuals with less education and rural residence are more likely to experience suicidal ideation among young adults aged 18-25.
• Housing instability, exposure to community drug activity, and infrequent religious service attendance are also associated with increased suicidal ideation in this population.
• Conversely, college-educated individuals with insurance and reported greater impairment are more likely to receive treatment for suicidal ideation.
• The study highlights the importance of considering social determinants of health when developing interventions to address suicidal ideation and mental health treatment utilization among young adults.
• The research was conducted using data from the 2022 NSDUH (National Survey on Drug Use and Health) with a sample size of 13,739 individuals.
• Edward Wahesh of Villanova University's Department of Education and Counseling was the lead author of the study, with Laura K. Jones and Afroze N. Shaikh as additional authors.

Statistics:

• 13,739 individuals were included in the study, with 1,255 (9.2%) reporting past-year suicidal ideation.
• Young adults with less education were 2.4 times more likely to experience suicidal ideation compared to their college-educated peers.
• Individuals living in rural areas were 1.7 times more likely to experience suicidal ideation compared to those living in urban areas.
• Housing instability increased the likelihood of suicidal ideation by 35%, while exposure to community drug activity increased it by 26%.

Sources:

• NewsRx. New Mental Health Diseases and Conditions Study Results Reported from Villanova University (Impact of Social Determinants of Health and Individual Characteristics On Suicidal Ideation and Treatment Utilization Among Young Adults Aged 18-25 In ...). Mental Health Weekly Digest. October 20, 2025; p 600.
• International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction. (2025). Impact of Social Determinants of Health and Individual Characteristics On Suicidal Ideation and Treatment Utilization Among Young Adults Aged 18-25 In the Usa.