The impact of psychological torque on suicidal ideation in elite athletes: the mediating role of psychological distress and the moderating role of sense of belonging

Background: This study aims to explore the mechanisms through which psychological torque, psychological distress, and sense of belonging influence suicidal ideation among elite athletes. The study hypothesizes that psychological distress mediates the relationship between psychological torque and suicidal ideation, while sense of belonging may moderate the interactions among these three factors. Methods: A total of 308 elite athletes were recruited as participants. Data were collected through online questionnaires, including demographic information, psychological torque Scale, psychological distress Scale, Sense of Belonging Scale, and Suicidal Ideation Scale. Descriptive and correlation analyses were conducted using SPSS 23 software, and mediation and moderation analyses were performed using Hayes’ PROCESS macro. Results: Descriptive analysis revealed a positive correlation between psychological torque and suicidal ideation, whereas a negative correlation was found between sense of belonging and suicidal ideation. psychological distress partially mediated the relationship between psychological torque and suicidal ideation, indicating that psychological torque increases the risk of suicidal ideation by intensifying psychological distress. Furthermore, sense of belonging moderated the relationship between psychological torque and suicidal ideation, as well as between psychological torque and psychological distress. Higher levels of sense of belonging mitigated the adverse effects of psychological torque on psychological distress and suicidal ideation. Conclusion: The results of the study revealed a complex interaction mechanism between psychological torque, psychological distress, and sense of belonging in the development of suicidal ideation among elite athletes. psychological torque has a direct positive effect on suicidal ideation, with psychological distress acting as a mediating variable, while sense of belonging serves as a moderating variable that can reduce the negative impact of psychological torque and psychological distress on suicidal ideation. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for the prevention and intervention of suicidal behaviors in elite athletes, highlighting that enhancing athletes’ sense of belonging could be an effective strategy for reducing suicide risk. The study also suggests future research directions, including the use of longitudinal designs, expanding the sample size, and exploring additional potential moderating variables.