Predicting suicide probability in young adults: contributions of vulnerable narcissism, grudge, and demographic variables

Suicide is a significant public health problem worldwide. The aim of this study is to examine the potential effects of levels of vulnerable narcissism and grudge on the likelihood of suicide. In addition to these variables, the potential effects of some demographic variables (gender, marital status, age, socioeconomic status, education level, perceived religiosity, number of siblings) were also investigated. A convenience sampling method was used to determine the study group. The study group consisted of a total of 500 individuals; 368 (73.6%) were women and 132 (26.4%) were men. The mean age of women was 26.31 (SD = 9.60, min-max = 18–64), the mean age of men was 29.01 (SD = 10.76, min-max = 18–55), and the mean age of the entire sample was 26.84 (SD = 9.88, min-max = 18–64). The Suicide Probability Scale, Vulnerable Narcissism Scale, Grudge Scale, and Personal Information Form were used as data collection tools in the study. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to examine the relationships between variables in the analysis of the data. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to examine the extent to which vulnerable narcissism, grudge, and sociodemographic characteristics are associated with suicide probability. The regression model showed that the independent variables significantly predicted the probability of suicide. According to the results obtained, the independent variables explained 38% of the variation in the probability of suicide {[R = 0.619, R2 = 0.383, F(8, 499)= 38.12, p < 0.0001]}, and vulnerable narcissism and grudge are positive predictors of the probability of suicide. Vulnerable narcissism (β = 0.34, p < 0.001) and grudge (β = 0.22, p < 0.001) are positive predictors of the probability of suicide. Age (β = −0.23, p < 0.001), education level (β = −0.08, p = 0.003), and SEL (β = −0.19, p < 0.001) are significant variables that negatively predict the probability of suicide. Based on the results, it can be said individuals with high levels of narcissism and grudge have a higher probability of suicide, and that some socio-demographic characteristics may influence these relationships. The findings are discussed in light of the literature.