The study aimed at examining the relationship between self-esteem, depression and suicidal ideation among the physically disabled in Ghana. Purposive sampling was used to select one Hundred and Eighty (180). Specifically, sixty (60) participants who are visually impaired, sixty (60) who have hearing impairment and sixty (60) who have mobility impairment were selected for the study respectively. In view of this, two hypotheses were stated and tested using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). Hundred and eighty (180) questionnaires were distributed. A modified version Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was used to test the depression level of the participant’s level of depression. Suicidal ideation was measured by using Positive and Negative Suicidal Ideation (PANSI) with 14 items self-report instrument. The outcome of the study revealed that:1. Self-esteem and depression related significantly with suicidal ideation. 2. Physical disability type had a significant influence on self-esteem and depression. 3.Mobility impaired had higher self-esteem than those who are visually impaired. 4. There was no significant difference between hearing impaired and visually impaired on depression. 5.There was no significant difference between mobility impaired and hearing impaired on suicidal ideation.
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
Theoretical Approach
2. EMPIRICAL REVIEW OF RELATED STUDIES
Statement of Hypotheses
3. METHODOLOGY
4. RESULTS
Introduction
Hypotheses Testing
Hypotheses One and five
Hypothesis two, three and four
5. DISCUSION OF RESULTS
6. CONCLUSION
Limitations of the Study
7. RECOMMENDATION
Conflict of Interest.
Research Objectives and Themes
The primary objective of this study is to examine the correlational relationship between self-esteem, depression, and suicidal ideation among physically disabled persons in Ghana, while investigating how different types of physical disability influence these psychological variables.
- The psychological impact of physical disability on self-perception and mental health.
- The relationship between depression levels and the inclination toward suicidal ideation.
- Comparative analysis of self-esteem and depression across visual, hearing, and mobility impairments.
- Application of the Joiner Interpersonal-Psychological Theory of Suicide in a Ghanaian context.
- The role of social support and perceived burdensomeness in the lives of persons with disabilities.
Excerpt from the Book
Theoretical Approach
According to the Joiner Interpersonal-Psychological theory, perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness are the two state of mind that presents dangerous suicidal desires (Van Orden et al., 2010). The former refers to an individual’s belief that he or she is a burden to others, and that others would benefit from his or her death. A person with a disability believes perhaps that they cause trouble for others because they draw on their resources (e.g., time, finances, and energy). Dempsey, Karver, Labouliere, Zesiewicz, and De Nadai (2012) found that functional impairment related to movement disorders, a type of physical disability, was a predictor of depression. Furthermore, perceived burdensomeness has also been indicated as a predictor of suicidal ideation in individuals living with chronic pain (Kanzler, Bryan, McGeary, & Morrow, 2012). The latter on the other hand refers to an individual’s feelings of isolation and a lack of reciprocal, caring relationships (Joiner, 2005; Van Orden et al., 2010). People experiencing thwarted belongingness may have thoughts such as “I am alone” or “I have nobody to turn to when I’m in need”. Now when these two state of mind (perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness) are both present, the most dangerous form of suicidal desire may occur.
Chapter Summary
1. INTRODUCTION: Provides the context of disability in Ghana, defines key concepts like suicidal ideation, and justifies the study by highlighting the lack of existing research in the region.
2. EMPIRICAL REVIEW OF RELATED STUDIES: Offers a synopsis of international and local research regarding the link between physical disability, self-esteem, and depression, concluding with the study's specific hypotheses.
3. METHODOLOGY: Describes the cross-sectional, non-probability purposive sampling method used to select 180 participants and outlines the psychometric instruments (BDI, PANSI) employed.
4. RESULTS: Presents the statistical data, including frequency tables and MANOVA/Pearson correlation analyses, testing the stated hypotheses regarding disability types and psychological outcomes.
5. DISCUSION OF RESULTS: Interprets the findings, comparing them with previous international studies and evaluating which hypotheses were supported by the empirical data.
6. CONCLUSION: Synthesizes the core findings, confirming that self-esteem and depression are significant predictors of suicidal ideation, while noting that disability types influence psychological states differently.
7. RECOMMENDATION: Suggests policy interventions, such as improved psychological support for the physically challenged and the need for more comprehensive, non-cross-sectional future studies.
Keywords
Physical Disability, Self-esteem, Depression, Suicidal Ideation, Ghana, Mental Health, Psychological Assessment, Cross-sectional Study, Mobility Impairment, Visual Impairment, Hearing Impairment, Interpersonal-Psychological Theory, Suicidality, Social Support, Wellbeing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
The work investigates the interplay between self-esteem, depression, and suicidal ideation among physically disabled individuals in Ghana.
Which psychological variables are central to this study?
The study focuses on three primary variables: self-esteem, depression levels, and the presence or severity of suicidal ideation.
What is the main objective of the research?
The goal is to determine if a significant correlational relationship exists between these mental health factors and to see how specific types of physical disabilities (mobility, visual, hearing) affect them.
What research methodology was employed?
The researchers used a quantitative cross-sectional design, utilizing purposive sampling and standardized psychometric instruments like the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Positive and Negative Suicidal Ideation (PANSI) scale.
What does the main body of the work cover?
The body covers a review of global and local literature, a detailed methodology section, statistical analysis of hypotheses using SPSS, and a nuanced discussion of the results compared to previous international findings.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include Physical Disability, Self-esteem, Depression, Suicidal Ideation, and Mental Health within the Ghanaian demographic context.
How does mobility impairment specifically influence self-esteem in this study?
The study found that individuals with mobility impairments generally recorded higher self-esteem compared to those with visual impairments.
Does the study suggest a link between disability type and suicide risk?
While the study found significant correlations between overall mental health and suicide ideation, it noted no significant difference in suicide ideation between mobility-impaired and hearing-impaired individuals.
What are the primary limitations mentioned by the authors?
The authors acknowledge that the use of a cross-sectional approach prevents them from establishing definitive causal temporal sequences, and they note the limited sample size (180), which restricts the generalizability of the findings.
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- Adisah-Atta Isaac (Autor:in), Ernestina Ossom (Autor:in), Paul Kenny Lawer (Autor:in), 2016, Relationship between Suicidal Ideation, Depression and Self-Esteem among Physically Disabled Persons in Ghana, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/355239
