Psychosocial Risk Factors of Suicidal Ideation in Adolescents in Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Recently, a growing trend of suicide has been seen in children and adolescents in Pakistan, therefore the present research explored psychosocial risk factors of suicidal ideation such as personality, parental and teacher acceptance-rejection, anger impulsivity, depression, interpersonal relations, academic stress and intolerance in adolescents in Pakistan. Methods: Sample included 180 adolescents with equal number of suicide ideators and non ideators who were recruited from public and private schools and colleges in Lahore. The Big Five Personality Inventory, Parental acceptance rejection questionnaire, teacher acceptance and control-teacher acceptance-rejection/ control questionnaire, Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment, Educational Stress Scale for Adolescents, Frustration Discomfort Scale were used for assessment. Findings: Class marks percentages; father’s monthly income, depression, anger impulsivity and worry about grades were significant predictors of suicidal ideation in adolescents. Discussion: the findings highlight the role of counseling and support for adolescents to help vulnerable adolescents cope effectively with stress.