Low Perceived Social Rank Increases the Impact of Mental Health Symptoms on Suicidal Ideation: Evidence among Young Adults from the Philippines.

Studies on social factors that could influence the mental health-suicidal ideation link remain scarce, especially in non-Western contexts. This study examined the relationship between mental health symptoms (i.e., depression, anxiety, and stress) and suicidal ideation and whether one's perceived social rank moderates such a relationship. Data from 631 students from two universities in the Philippines collected between October to December 2018 was analyzed. Bivariate correlations show that greater symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress are associated with increased suicidal ideation. Hierarchical linear regression models supported the direct relationship between mental health symptoms and suicidal ideation and demonstrated that perceived social rank significantly moderated such a relationship. Johnson-Neyman plots and simple slopes analyses further illustrate how mental health symptoms and perceived social rank interact to impact suicidal ideation. The results show that as one's perceived social rank lowers, the strength of the positive association between depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms to suicidal ideation strengthens. The results held while controlling for age, gender, college year level, and family income. The findings are discussed using the social rank theory and the Integrated Motivational-Volitional (IMV) model of suicide to view suicidal ideation from both an individual and a social perspective. We expound on the role of low perceived social rank on suicidal ideation among young adults.HIGHLIGHTSHigher depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms are associated with higher suicidal ideation.Perceived social rank moderates the link between mental health symptoms and suicidal ideation.One's perception of being inferior to others can exacerbate suicidal ideation.

Perceived Social Standing in Assisted Living Communities: A Mixed-Methods Study of Social Hierarchies Among Residents.

The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to measure perceived social standing within an assisted living (PSS-AL), and to identify individual determinants and empirical correlates of this construct. The sample consisted of 200 residents of 21 assisted livings (ALs). A self-anchoring ladder measured PSS-AL (M = 6.95, SD = 2.04) and an open-ended follow-up question assessed individual determinants of PSS-AL ratings. In a multiple regression, mental health (ß = .27, p = .001), intimate staff-resident relationships (ß = .22, p = .024), and extraversion (ß = .27, p < .001) were significant predictors of PSS-AL. Qualitative findings revealed that inter-personal factors, prosocial behaviors, and health were key determinants of PSS-AL. Results highlight the social demands of AL and associated implications for residents with varying social abilities, skills, and interests. Findings also suggest that staff-resident relationships may shape and-or reinforce resident social hierarchies. The authors discuss implications for research and practice.