An examination of hopelessness, coping skills, and suicidal ideation in emerging adults diagnosed with unipolar depression

Objective: This study aimed to examine hopelessness, coping strategies, and suicidal ideation in individuals diagnosed with unipolar depression in relation to age, with a specific focus on the psychosocial risks unique to the emerging adulthood period (ages 18–25). Materials and Methods: The study included 128 patients diagnosed with unipolar depression via the SCID-5, who presented to the Psychiatry Clinic of Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University. Participants were divided into two groups: emerging adults (ages 18–25, n=64) and other adults (ages 26–65, n=64). All participants completed a sociodemographic data form, Beck Hopelessness Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, Suicidal Ideation Scale, and COPE inventory. The data were analyzed statistically. Results: Depression, hopelessness, and suicidal ideation scores were significantly higher in the emerging adulthood group compared to the other group. Coping strategy patterns also differed between groups: emerging adults used functional strategies such as active coping and religious coping less frequently, while employing humor-based strategies more often. In this group, the earlier onset of depression was found to be associated with higher levels of suicidal ideation. Additionally, factors such as gender, marital status, treatment status, hospitalization history, and family history of psychiatric illness influenced scale scores. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the emerging adulthood period is a more vulnerable phase in terms of mental health and underline the need for age-specific psychiatric assessment and intervention approaches. The results highlight the importance of developing targeted mental health services, including early detection and psychoeducation, tailored to this age group.