The suicide rate among children and adolescents in the world has increased dramatically in recent years. It has been accompanied by substantial changes in the leading methods of youth suicide, especially among young girls. Much work is underway to elucidate the relationships between psychopathology, substance use, child abuse, bullying, internet use, and youth suicidal behaviour. Recent evidence also suggests sex-specific and moderating roles of gender in influencing risk for suicide and suicidal behaviour.
Suicide is the third leading cause of death among adolescents globally, accounting for 11% of all deaths to youth ages 12 to 19 between 1999 and 2006, and rates of attempting suicide and suicidal ideation are higher than those of completed suicide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 157,000 youth between the ages of 10 and 24 receive medical care at emergency departments for self-inflicted injuries each year. Data from the 2011 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey show that 16% of youth reported seriously considering suicide, 13% reported creating a plan, and 8% reported trying to take their own lives in the 12 months preceding the survey. The bulk of existing research on adolescent suicide focuses on psychological explanations and individual-level risk factors for suicide, including mental health, substance use patterns, and exposure to traumatic life events, such as sexual abuse.
This work is critical because it identifies individuals at the greatest risk of suicide and provides clear intervention strategies to address individuals’ unique paths to suicidal ideation.
Table of Content
1. Abstract
2. Introduction
3. Review of literature
4. Significance of the Study
5. Objectives
6. Hypothesis
7. Methodology
8. Result and Discussion
9. Conclusion
10. Limitations
11. Suggestions
12. References
Objectives & Key Themes
This study aims to investigate the prevalence and nature of suicidal tendencies among youth, specifically examining differences based on gender and age groups, while identifying contributing factors to develop potential intervention strategies.
- Suicidal ideation among adolescents and young adults
- Impact of gender and age on suicide risk
- Psychological and environmental risk factors
- Clinical intervention and assessment strategies
- The relationship between academic stress, depression, and self-harm
Auszug aus dem Buch
Introduction:
Suicide is the taking of one’s own life. It is a universal concept and happens all over the world. Ahrens, Linden, Zaske and Berzewski (2000) define suicidal behavior as ranging from feeling that life is not worth living to thoughts of suicide and suicidal acts. According to Durkheim (as cited in Williams, 1997) there are three types of suicide. In other words three categories, which reflect a breakdown in the relationship between the individual and society.
Egoistic suicide incorporates the notion that an individual has no concern for their community and no interest in being involved in it. There is a lack of meaningful social interactions and therefore a low level of social integration, as exemplified in urban areas, as opposed to rural areas. Madu and Matla (2003) studied the prevalence of suicidal behaviors among secondary school adolescents in the Limpopo province and found that rates of attempted suicide were highest in urban areas. This fits with the above theory as urban areas and townships are known for low adherence to cultural and traditional values. This causes acculturation, which is the breakdown of family ties and an increase in social misconduct, leading to egoistic suicide.
Summary of Chapters
Abstract: Provides an overview of the rising global suicide rates among youth and highlights the importance of social and psychological factors.
Introduction: Discusses the theoretical framework of suicide, including Durkheim’s sociological perspectives and the impact of environmental stressors.
Review of literature: Analyzes existing studies on youth suicide, covering diverse regions and variables like gender, academic stress, and drug use.
Significance of the Study: Argues that understanding the mind of the suicidal individual is crucial for creating effective, multi-determined intervention strategies.
Objectives: Outlines the study's goal to explore suicidal tendencies across youth demographics and identify preventive factors.
Hypothesis: Proposes four null hypotheses focusing on the lack of significant differences between specific age and gender groups regarding suicidal ideation.
Methodology: Details the research design, including the use of the Suicidal Ideation Scale and statistical t-tests on a sample of 60 youth.
Result and Discussion: Presents the statistical findings, which indicate no significant differences in suicidal ideation between the examined subgroups.
Conclusion: Synthesizes the findings and emphasizes the complexity of youth suicide, advocating for better clinical screening and primary care involvement.
Limitations: Identifies constraints such as the small, urban-centric sample size and the challenges inherent in systematic research on suicidal populations.
Suggestions: Proposes future large-scale research and a more holistic approach to understanding the value of life in childhood.
References: Lists the academic literature and clinical studies consulted for the thesis.
Key Words
suicide, adolescents, youth, risk factors, epidemiology, attempted suicide, suicidal ideation, mental health, depression, gender, academic stress, self-harm, social integration, intervention strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
The research investigates the prevalence of suicidal tendencies among youth, specifically looking for differences based on gender and age groups.
What are the central themes discussed in the study?
The study centers on the psychological and sociological factors influencing suicidal behavior, including stress, social support, and family environment.
What is the core research question?
The central question is how suicidal ideation manifests in different youth demographics and whether significant differences exist between genders and age categories.
Which scientific methodology was employed?
The study utilized a quantitative research design with a sample of 60 individuals, employing the Suicidal Ideation Scale and analyzing the data via t-tests.
What is the scope of the main chapters?
The main chapters transition from a theoretical review of literature to a practical investigation, detailing methodologies, statistical results, and final conclusions on suicide prevention.
Which keywords define this work?
The key concepts include suicide, youth, suicidal ideation, depression, gender differences, and intervention strategies.
Does the study find a significant difference between genders regarding suicide risk?
No, the statistical analysis in this study showed no significant difference in suicidal ideation levels between male and female participants.
How does the author view the role of the family doctor?
The author argues that family doctors have a critical responsibility to initiate discussions regarding mental health, as teenagers are often reluctant to disclose suicidal thoughts without prompting.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Piyush Dholariya (Autor:in), 2017, Suicidal tendency in youth in relation to their gender, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/369591
