If RFL can at least partially explain the connection between key risk factors (hopelessness and depressive symptoms) and suicidal thoughts and behaviors, then they may be an ideal target for intervention. Because a clinician can aid patients in identifying and bolstering current RFL, directly targeting an increase in this protective factor may help to weaken the link between depressive symptoms, hopelessness, and suicide. As such, the current study has significant clinical relevance, as it has the potential to help clarify the relations between depressive symptoms, hopelessness, and suicidal ideation and behavior, and it may lead to the development of improved treatment strategies for reducing suicidality among depressed or hopeless individuals. In the current study, we aim to build upon previous research by examining in a large sample of young adults (a) whether total RFL mediates the relation between risk factors (hopelessness and depressive symptoms) and both suicidal ideation and attempt, and (b) whether specific categories of RFL uniquely mediate the relation between risk factors and suicide ideation and attempt. Based on the literature to date, we hypothesize that RFL, specifically SCB, would partially mediate the relations between both depressive symptoms and hopelessness, and suicidal ideation and suicide attempt.