Personal-Psycho Characteristics and Attitude towards Suicidal Behaviour among University Students in South Eastern States of Nigeria (Published)
The study aimed at determining the relationship between personal-psycho characteristics and attitude towards suicidal behaviour among University students in South Eastern States of Nigeria. Two purposes of the study, two research questions and hypotheses guided the study. The cross-sectional survey research design was used. The population of the study comprised all the 34,169 year three students in the Nine (9) government-owned and state Universities in South Eastern States of Nigeria. A sample size of 380 year three students was selected using multi-stage sampling procedure. Proportionate sampling technique was used in selecting the faculties and departments for the study. A self-structured questionnaire entitled “Personal-Psycho Characteristics and Attitude towards Suicidal Behaviour Questionnaire (PCASBQ)” was used for data collection. Data were collated and analyzed using Pearson Product Moment Collection statistics, at .05 level of significance and at 378 degree of freedom. Findings of the study showed a very high positive and significant relationship between self-esteem, depression and attitude towards suicidal behaviour among university students. Conclusion was drawn from the findings and the study recommended among other things that, University counsellors should always counsel the students about upholding self-worth, maintaining confidence and positive view of themselves in their academic and social life pursuits. This will deter the students from committing suicide when confronted with strenuous conditions.
Keywords: Suicide, depression and self-esteem, suicidal behaviour