Mohammadmahdi Taheri, Fatemeh Kouhneshin, Alireza Jahani, Zahra Jahanbakhshi,
Volume 25, Issue 97 (7-2026)
Abstract
Objective: Suicidal ideation is a significant public health concern influenced by various factors. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between romantic breakup and suicidal ideation, with the mediating roles of loneliness and meaning in life.
Method: This study employed a correlational descriptive design using structural equation modeling. The statistical population consisted of all students residing in Tehran, aged 18 to 35 years. A sample of 424 participants was selected through convenience sampling. The instruments included the Romantic Breakup Questionnaire (Rosse, 1999), Suicidal Ideation Scale (Beck et al., 1979), Meaning in Life Questionnaire (Steger et al., 2006), and Loneliness Scale (DiTommaso et al., 2004). Data analysis was conducted using SEM with SPSS and AMOS software.
Findings: The results indicated that the data fit the proposed model well, and all direct and indirect paths were significant. Romantic breakup had a direct positive effect on suicidal ideation (β = 0.15) and on loneliness (β = 0.46), and a direct negative effect on meaning in life (β = -0.20). Meaning in life had a negative direct effect on suicidal ideation (β = -0.22), while loneliness had a positive direct effect on suicidal ideation (β = 0.29). The indirect effects were also significant through the mediation of meaning in life (95% CI [0.02, 0.08]) and loneliness (95% CI [0.09, 0.18]) on suicidal ideation.
Conclusion: Part of the impact of romantic breakup on suicidal ideation is exerted through changes in loneliness and meaning in life. Interventions focusing on strengthening social bonds and encouraging participation in meaningful activities may help reduce the risk of suicide among individuals who have experienced a romantic breakup.
