Two studies were designed to develop & validate a model of current suicide ideation. In Study 1, 48 students reporting past suicide attempts were compared to 49 controls on 9 variables previously linked to suicidal behaviour. In the resulting model, borderline personality characteristics & social support were found to correlate with current suicide ideation, supporting a mediating model. In Study 2, the Borderline/Social Support model was validated in an independent sample. Implications for risk assessment, prevention, & treatment of suicidal college students are discussed. (75 refs.)