This study investigated family structure and peer group as risk factors to suicidal behaviour among the youths in Ekiti State, Nigeria. The study adopted descriptive research design of the exploratory type. The population for the study comprised all youths in Ekiti State, while the sample consisted of 300 male and female youths and young adults within the ages of 13-55years. Stratified random sampling technique was used to select the sample to accommodate family structure and gender strata from two out of the three Senatorial Districts (Central and South) in Ekiti State. Fifty youths were selected from each of the three Local Government Areas in each Senatorial District making a total of six Local Government Areas and two Senatorial Districts arriving at 300 youths altogether. The instrument for the study was questionnaire to collect data on risk factors to suicidal behaviour among youths in Ekiti State. The validity of the instrument was considered through face and content validity procedures. The reliability was considered using Cronbach alpha and the coefficient yielded 0.79. Two research hypotheses were generated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. The data collected were analysed using frequency count, mean, standard deviation and Pearson Product Moment Correlation statistical tools. The study found that there was significant relationship between family structure as well as peer group and youth suicidal behaviours in Ekiti State. It was concluded that family disruption and bad peer group contribute to youth suicidal behaviours in Ekiti state. It was therefore recommended that couples should avoid all acts of omission and commission that could lead to disharmony among them, and also be watchful of the type of friends their children keep.
Keywords: Family Structure, Peer-Group, Risk Factors, suicidal behaviour, tragedy
