Dysfunctional Attitudes of Adolescents with Suicide Ideation and Intent

Suicide is one of the alarming issues that need prompt and immediate action despite many preventive measures. This study described dysfunctional attitudes, suicide ideation and suicide intent. It also tested the relationships among the variables; and developed therapeutic approach. Mixed design particularly sequential mixed method was used. Purposive sampling was employed to 157 participants who are non-psychotic with suicide intent. Standardized tests were used to gather quantitative data and in-depth interview for qualitative analysis. Frequency, percentage, mean scores, rank, chi-square and Pearson were utilized to analyse data. The study revealed that participants have mild dysfunctional attitudes with moderate suicide ideation and low suicide intent. They are emotionally vulnerable due to irrational beliefs and cognitions that defeat effective functioning. When faced negative life’s events, they have tendencies to commit suicide even though suicide intentions vary from low to high. Irrational beliefs among suicide adolescents must be restructured through counselling using Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT). Various programs and activities that can divert adolescent’s thoughts from ending life to experiencing a meaningful

life may be initiated. Dysfunctional attitudes can affect suicide ideation and intent. It is deemed important for parents and teachers to be informed and trained on how to spot strange actions especially if the actions are too vague to conclude suicide tendencies. Qualitative analysis revealed emotional vulnerability, suicide tendencies and willingness to commit suicide thus, therapeutic approach for suicide adolescents was proposed.

Keywords – dysfunctional attitudes, suicide ideation, suicide intent, adolescents