This paper examined the issue of suicide ideation among Nigerian youths. Suicide ideation is an understudied risk factor for suicidal intent. The paper looked at meaning, types, causes and reasons of suicide, suicide ideation and it implication for counselling. It was recommended among others that government should establish industries to create job that can absorb more idle youths and jobless graduates since it seems that the vocational trainings are not yielding results and so on.
Counselling against suicide ideation among Nigerian youths is very apt in this present era of economic challenges. The issue of suicide has become an epidemic world all over to the detriment of peaceful existence. This may be pointing to the fact that people are no longer happy about themselves and their environment. Cases of suicide are frightening in nature and cannot be wished to any human being. Nations are fighting to curb the menace and instill the culture of understanding among its citizens on challenges perceived as the major causes of suicide.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Meaning of Suicide
3. Types of Suicide
4. Causes of suicide among Nigerian youths
4.1 Academic performance
4.2 Financial constraints
4.3 Loneliness
4.4 Conflict
4.5 Illness
4.6 Alcohol and substance abuse
4.7 Depression
4.8 Revenge
5. Reasons for Suicide
6. Meaning of Suicide Ideation
7. Important ways of assessing suicide ideation in youths
8. Opportunities to intervene when a youth is experiencing suicidal ideation
9. Theoretical Framework
9.1 Hirschi’s Theory of Social Bond
10. Conclusion/Counselling Implications
11. Recommendations
Objectives and Topics
The primary objective of this paper is to examine the phenomenon of suicide ideation among Nigerian youth, exploring its causes, risk factors, and the role of counselling in mitigation. The study seeks to address the growing psychological distress faced by young people in an era of economic and social instability.
- Analysis of the definition and various forms of suicide.
- Identification of critical stressors, including academic pressure, financial constraints, and loneliness.
- Evaluation of the impact of mental health conditions and substance abuse on suicidal behaviour.
- Assessment of preventive strategies and intervention opportunities for professionals.
Excerpt from the Book
Causes of suicide among Nigerian youths
The following are the causes of suicide among Nigerian youths.
i. Academic performance
The main aim of attending a tertiary institution is to achieve an academic certificate. Although other factors are achieved in the process of attaining an academic qualification. It is quite important that an individual performs so as to achieve the qualification. This pressure to perform has been noted as one of the main stressors experienced by university student. When student performance is not adhered to students tend to find different manners to deal with the pressure. These ways of alleviating pressure are factors such as alcohol and drug abuse. This group was categorized under the individuals facing hopelessness. The respondents identified that hopelessness affects 30% of the student’s population. This is a great percentage of individuals considering hopelessness also affects the ability of an individual to associate with the society effectively. It was also noted that academic performance is greatly affected by alcohol and drug abuse. Alcohol and drug abuse was outlined as a risk factor leading to failing grades. 19% of the respondents believed that alcohol and drug abuse affect academic performance and are factor that could encourage suicidality. Young people who feel connected to their schools are also less likely to engage in risk behavior, whereas being out-of-school and/or unemployed are risk factors. For example, substance abuse is reportedly much higher among young people who are not in school (NACADA, 2004).
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: This chapter provides an overview of the rising trend of suicide cases globally and in Nigeria, highlighting the need for counselling in an era of economic challenges.
Meaning of Suicide: This section defines suicide through various scholarly lenses, emphasizing it as an intentional self-inflicted act, and discusses the increasing global risk among youth.
Types of Suicide: This chapter categorizes suicide into four distinct types—Egoistic, Fatalistic, Anomic, and Altruistic—based on societal perspectives.
Causes of suicide among Nigerian youths: This comprehensive chapter details specific stressors for Nigerian students, ranging from academic and financial pressures to loneliness, conflict, illness, substance abuse, and depression.
Reasons for Suicide: This section presents a detailed list of selected risk factors, such as physical abuse, domestic violence, and trauma, which contribute to suicidal ideation.
Meaning of Suicide Ideation: This chapter clarifies the concept of suicidal ideation as the spectrum of thoughts regarding death and self-destruction, noting its association with various mood disorders.
Important ways of assessing suicide ideation in youths: This chapter discusses the necessity of taking all reports of suicidal thoughts seriously, regardless of perceived intensity.
Opportunities to intervene when a youth is experiencing suicidal ideation: This section highlights the role of teachers, counsellors, and medical professionals in early detection and intervention.
Theoretical Framework: This chapter applies Hirschi’s Social Bond Theory to explain how social attachments and commitment to conventional activities can reduce the likelihood of suicidal behaviour.
Conclusion/Counselling Implications: This chapter synthesizes findings, emphasizing the need for mental health professionals to be trained in assessment and supportive therapies.
Recommendations: This final chapter suggests actionable steps for the government, including job creation and the establishment of rehabilitation centres for vulnerable youth.
Keywords
counselling, suicide, ideation, youths, Nigeria, mental health, academic pressure, depression, substance abuse, social bond, prevention, intervention, psychological distress, risk factors, suicide behaviour
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper focuses on the critical issue of suicide ideation among Nigerian youths, analysing its causes and the essential role of counselling in preventing suicidal behaviour.
What are the primary themes discussed in this work?
The central themes include the psychological pressures faced by youth, specific risk factors like academic and financial stress, and the application of social theory to suicide prevention.
What is the ultimate research objective?
The objective is to identify the drivers of suicide ideation in the Nigerian context and recommend strategic interventions for educators and mental health professionals.
Which methodology is employed in this study?
The study utilizes a qualitative review of historical and epidemiological data, supported by theoretical analysis based on Hirschi’s Theory of Social Bond.
What topics are covered in the main body?
The main body covers definitions and types of suicide, a detailed breakdown of socio-economic stressors, the meaning of suicidal ideation, and specific intervention opportunities.
Which keywords best describe this study?
Key terms include counselling, suicide, ideation, Nigerian youths, mental health, academic pressure, and intervention strategies.
How does academic pressure specifically influence suicidal behaviour in Nigerian students?
The paper highlights that the intense pressure to succeed, coupled with the fear of failure, often leads students to depression, low self-esteem, and sometimes the misuse of substances as a maladaptive coping mechanism.
What is the significance of Hirschi’s Social Bond Theory in this research?
It provides a theoretical basis to argue that youth who feel strongly connected to their families and invested in conventional societal activities are less likely to engage in suicidal acts.
How should professionals intervene when they suspect a youth is at risk?
The author suggests that professionals should be proactive, approaching the subject with sensitivity and asking directly about suicidal thoughts rather than waiting for spontaneous disclosure.
- Citar trabajo
- Erhunse Confidence (Autor), 2019, Counselling against suicide ideation among nigerian youths, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/511390
