Research Article :
The Perceived Factors of Student Suicide in Fiji
Rosalie Muertigue, Kamala Naiker
Abstract
Teenage
suicide rate in Fiji is increasing every year. This paper examined on the
factors that lead to students suicide in Fiji as well as the schools roles in
preventing suicide attempts. Based on this study, the researchers found out
various causes of student suicide in Fiji. Parents and teachers are involved in
curbing this problem. Several factors that cause student suicide are identified
during data gatherin g. A structured que stionnaire was distributed to the 20 participants
of the University of Fiji. The study can help guide the development of camp us -
based preventi on programs at the university.
Full-Text
Introduction
Suicide is one of the
principle causes of death
among students. Current reports have advocated that the occurrence of suicide
in this group increased in recent years. Hence, university grounds stand for a
noteworthy location of intervention for the avoidance of suicide for scores of
young adults (Muehlenkamp, Marrone, Gray & Brown, 2009). University
institutions and teachers on university campuses nowadays are frequently
confused as to the paramount way to deal with suicidal scholars. Suicide among
university learners is a predicament of multifaceted features that affects
survivors, educators, establishments and parents. In a research carried out in
Delhi, the formation of suicidal ideas among adolescents was found to be at a
rate of 21.7% (Jena & Sidhartha, 2004). Vijay Kumar (2007), as well as
Kjoller and Helwegharsen (2000) and Mazza (2000), emphasised the urgency to
deeply understand the reasons for suicide cases. Dogra, Basu and Das (2008)
found that other than stressful
life events, there were other predictable variables. Individuality, the meaning
of life, and the reasons for living contribute considerably to suicidal
concepts. It is noteworthy that features associated with suicide risk factors, like a
feeling of hopelessness and loneliness in life, have received considerable
study (Lubin et al., 2001; Billici et al., 2002; Ozguven and Sayil, 2003). But
in recent years, studies that place a greater emphasis on factors, like the
reasons for living, are escalating anxiety. Current researches exposed that
reasons for the notion of living is important to a persons mental processes of
awareness, memory, decision making, and way of thinking, and is in
juxtaposition relating to a persons emotions and the power to choose or to
determine (Bender, Journal of the Indian Academy of Applied Psychology July
2010, Vol.36, No.2, 311-316.S312 Students Suicidal Ideation 2000). Minkoff et
al, 1973, state that, according to cognitive theory,
suicide is sought by a person as a final resort, to end or finally deal with
thoughts or feelings of depression and misery. If a person is full of
depression, with nothing to live for, suicidal dangers increase drastically. The
focal aspect needs also to be on the negative hindsight, rather than only on
the positive and preventive aspect of suicide, which seems to be the current
focus.
Suicidal
ideation is a thought or hypothesis enclosing a range of theoretical
constituents, characteristically one believed to be biased and not supported on
experiential confirmation concerning bereavement, suicide and grave
self-harming deportments, and consists of contemplation connected to the
preparation,
behaviour
and result of suicidal conduct, predominantly as the last communicates to the
opinions about a reaction of others (Reynolds, 1988). According to Bonner &
Rich, 1987 and Fawcett, 1988, the considerations and the mental action of
acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought, experience, and the
senses about the suicidal way, in which one does something or conducts oneself,
especially toward others, as well as ones intent, may be judged as a premature
indicator for the danger of further severe suicidal behaviour patterns. The
ideas or concepts of suicidal behaviour have also been observed as a
fundamental part in the categorization of suicidal behaviour patterns. There
are different ranges of harshness when dealing with suicidal ideation. These
can be distinguished as ranging from moderately mild to general thoughts and
wishes for death, to severe ideation about precise preparations and ways of
taking ones life. Suicidal individuals concerns regarding others reactions to
them, including others perceptions of their self-worth after their death, are
acquiring understanding through the thoughts, the experiences, and the senses
that are inside this sphere. Reasons, both positive and negative, for living
ideals help in avoiding
suicidal
behaviour. This study is an intention to highlight, and has been taken to
learn the occurrences inducing suicidal ideation, its regularity and the
affiliation between suicidal ideation and motives for existing among college
students. In particular, the hypotheses are: 1. Life occurrences inducing
suicidal thought differ among themselves. 2. Reasons for existing are
negatively related with suicidal ideation.
Youth
suicidal behaviour is one urgent challenge confronting our nations colleges. At
a national level, this persists to be an important communal well-being crisis
in need of attention (Mazza, 2006: 156). It is often the moral right and
officially permitted responsibility of the University Student Counsellor,
whenever possible, to prevent youth suicide (Jacob and Hartshorne, 2007). The
counsellors reports are ill prepared, and frequently indicate their
incapability to respond to this concern (Anderson & Miller, 2009). This is
a matter of life and death, given the manner in which such issues are tackled
by the college counsellors and other college-based practitioners. Well-trained
and knowledgeable practitioners will be able to identify the suicidal signs,
and with proper
counselling,
nip such tendencies in the bud before a disaster results. A valuable life is
saved.
Statement
of the Problem
This
research study will focus on the perception of the students in University of
Fiji regarding the prevalence of students suicide in
Fiji, and the schools roles in preventing suicide attempts.
Specifically,
it will try to answer the following questions:
1. What are the perceived reasons of student
suicide in Fiji?
2. What are the characteristics of a suicidal
student?
3. What are the schools roles in preventing
students suicide attempts?
Purpose
of the study
The
purpose of this case study is to identify the various factors that lead to
student suicides, and determine the different roles of the school in preventing
suicide attempts. This study is a pioneering research in the University of
Fiji. The study can help guide the development of campus-based prevention
programs at the university. This research study hopes to understand critically
the factors of student problems in Fiji, and the schools corresponding roles in
preventing suicide attempts.
Methodology
Research
Design
In
this study, a case study method was utilized, in which the researcher
investigates a real-life, bounded system over time, through in depth data
collection (Creswell, 2013). Yin stressed out that case study research involves
study in a real life context or setting (p. 9). A semi-structured questionnaire
was prepared to serve as a guide during the face-to-face interview with the
respondents.
Research
Instrument
The
researcher prepares a modified questionnaire from Suicidal Ideation
Questionnaire Reynolds (1985), investigating on the reasons why a student
commits suicide, and finds better ways to prevent the student from committing
suicide. The questionnaire is a combination of closed-ended questions and
open-ended questions. The primary aim of the question is to obtain a
qualitative data on the causes of the students suicide problems, based on the
students perception.
Ethical
consideration
Since
the study utilized human participants and investigated the causes of students suicide, certain
issues were addressed. The consideration of these issues is necessary for the
purpose of ensuring privacy, as well as the security of the participants. These
issues were identified in advance, so as to prevent future problems that could
have risen during the research process. Privacy, anonymity, and consent of the
participants were the significant issues that were considered.
Respondents
and Sampling
This
study is a school-based research conducted to the students of University of
Fiji. Twenty students are chosen from different schools, using the convenience
sampling method. The researcher opted to use this kind of research, considering
the desire of the researcher to obtain first-hand data from the respondents, in
order to formulate rational and sound conclusions and recommendations of the
study.
Results
and Discussion
Respondents
perception on suicide based on age and gender: University life
is a time to move into adulthood, and this can be hard on some students who
cannot cope with the academic demand, the financial problems, and the social
strain, which can lead to social issues that can affect the immune system of
person. Stress from
academic course loads and the high demand expected from university level
students serve as the leading contributing factor to development of depression
with suicidal thoughts. In some societies, committing suicide is abnormal,
especially in Fiji; however, in the Far East, a Buddhist priest who commits
suicide as a form of political protest, is regarded as exhibiting strength of
character, or in Japan, where harakiri is a sign of chivalry. This study will
explore deeper on the reasons why students commit suicide, and examine the
schools roles in preventing suicide based on the perspective of the students in
the University of Fiji.
Suicide
is the third leading cause of death for adolescents
15 to 19 years old. According to Medical Doctor Alan Glass, depression and
suicide are the largest health issues facing college students nowadays. Based
on the survey results, majority of them are fully aware on the increasing cases
of student suicides in Fiji. There are many questions that come across on the
issue of student suicides. Who are to be blamed, the parents or the teachers? Is
it social media, or peer pressure? Psychologist Randy Dellom explained that teens
commit suicide because they feel extremely lonely, desperate and helpless. They
strongly believe that taking their lives is the only solution to their
problems. In this study, majority of the respondents stated that the age 19-21
years old is when most of the students commit suicide, and 30 percent of the
respondents perceived the age of 16-18 years as also when most student suicides occur. This
is the stage where students are more prone to commit suicide, as they are
entering their maturity age, and more exposed to relationship problems and
hardships in life. Psychologist Erik Erikson describes this stage as most
critical, because an adolescent may experience a psychological revolution
(Gines, 1999). They try many roles as they grope with romantic involvement,
vocational choice, and adult statuses. In this study, girls are more likely to
commit suicide than boys. Based on some research studies, women are especially
prone to psychological problems, such as depression, which almost always
precede suicide. It was found out that in Western societies, women have a
higher rate of 20 to 40 percent of mental disorders than
males. According to respondents perceptions, girls have higher risk of
committing suicide than boys. The study of Lie (2012) supports this finding
that female students are highly to consider suicide, compared to male students.
Women are more likely than men to attribute suicidal ideation to negative
relationship events. Perceived causes of suicide in Fiji were similar and
distinct compared to UK and New Zealand. Men and women have different suicide
methods to end their life.
Reasons
of suicide in Fiji
This
study identified three major reasons of suicide as perceived by the
respondents: financial problems, family issues and relationship issues. Many
students suffering from financial problems commit suicide. Students who are out
on their own for the very first time could hardly manage their school
allowance. They end up overspending on clothes, food and partying. The
Community Mental Health
Journal found out that the increased financial difficulties facing college
students lead to greater depression, anxiety, and alcohol misuse over time. The
researchers found out those family issues will also lead the students to commit
suicide, like in instances where some students are abused verbally and
physically by their parents. Family disagreements and lack of understanding
among family members is an issue that needs to be resolved. The introduction to
external examination in schools has built a lot of tensions and conflicts among
students in Fiji. Almost all parents want the best for their children, and they
put intense pressure on their children to get good grades. Some parents are
unaware that too much pressure can lead to stress and anxiety. According to psychologist Ben
Locke, of Pennsylvania State University (as cited by Novotney,2014), more than
30 percent of college students in the USA, who seek services for mental health
issues, report that they have seriously considered attempting suicide at some
point in their lives. Majority of the respondents stated that relationship
issues or failure in love life is another reason of suicide cases in Fiji. Many
students are engaged in relationships while still studying in the university,
and while holding on that relationship, they come across a lot of issues.
According to the respondents perceptions, some students are tortured verbally,
and physically abused by their partner. They feel very depressed when their
partner cheated, and see suicide as the last option of being heartbroken. Around
60 percent of the respondents answered that the students in Fiji are facing a
lot of relationship issues. A few years back in Lautoka, a boy committed
suicide because his mother could not afford to take him for shopping. Another
incident in Nadi, a 6 year-old boy committed suicide because of his
parents daily arguments and fighting. The saddest case in Fiji was when one
high school working student from Labasa committed suicide, because he failed in
passing the external mark rate. Social factors and poor exam results are the
main reasons of suicidal thought and actions. Fiji is still facing some
challenges in curbing this suicide problem.
In
2016, 10 children took their own lives, and 14 children made attempts. Surveys
in Fiji have shown that over 90 per cent of people who died by suicide have
clinical depression or another diagnosable mental disorder. Substance abuse,
like drugs and alcohol, is also linked to suicide. Other possible causes
identified during the in–depth interview of the respondents, are
cyber-bullying, school, societys expectations and prejudices, and peer
pressure. For children, its the environment at home and school that contributes
to their emotional well-being. Unrealistic pressures at home to perform at
school can push a child to the brink. Bullying at school could affect the
attitude of the children. Unless addressed, it could lead to negative thoughts.
The statistics in Fiji revealed an alarming rate of teenage suicide, and should
be taken seriously, because there appears to be a trend that needs to be
curbed.
The
study of Hipple,J. (2010) identified the characteristics of the suicidal
student. Students contemplating suicide share some common personal
characteristics, which include the following feelings:
• Helplessness. This is probably the most
common characteristic. The student has been experiencing deep pain, and has
been struggling to reduce that pain for some time, but to no avail. He does not
know what else to do. If this is true, then the advisor must be willing to take
an active, directive, supportive, and helpful stance.
• Hopeless. Often the pain has been going on
for so long with no relief, that the student is ready to give up on everything
and everyone. From the students perspective, there is little reason to live. Reasons
to continue to live often require input from an outside resource. As an
intervention, the advisor can help rebuild a students sense of hope for life.
• Confused and having difficulty articulating
what is happening. The student knows that something is amiss, but is not able
to clearly describe the internal processes taking place. Friends, family, and
even instructors may find that this confusion leads to
them minimizing the seriousness of the situation. The advisor can help the
student talk through the confusion.
• Perfectionistic. Acute perfectionism can set
the stage for the student to see suicide as a viable resolution to pain
experienced when his actions, or lack of action, fail to meet high standards. Since
little or no action is taking place, the emotional pain continues to grow. Consequently,
the advisor has an opportunity to help the student solve the problem, and see
alternative or more realistic solutions.
•
Isolated. Feeling helpless, hopeless, confused, and idealistic, the student
contemplating suicide often has difficulty being with himself or herself, let
alone seeing how others might want to be with him or her. It is common for the
suicidal student to distance himself or herself from others, thus making it
doubly difficult for others to be supportive of him or her. The advisor can
assist the student to reach out to others in a more realistic fashion, and consequently
re-create a helpful support system.
•
Ambivalence. This is a critical characteristic of all individuals who look at
suicide as an option. In simple terms, self-inflicted death may be something
thought about, planned for, and even attempted. However, there is also a
life-sustaining element in operation for the suicidal; if someone is 100%
suicidal, he would already be dead. It is helpful during conversations to
assist the student to talk about both sides of his ambivalence. The suicidal
student needs the advisor to not minimize or deny the death side; instead he
needs assistance in talking through the reasons to stay alive. One could call
this a pro/con discussion of the entire situation. From a practical
perspective, conversations are never ended while the student is deeply
connected with the death option.
Schools
roles in preventing suicide attempts
Suicides
are preventable. All respondents agreed that the school plays important roles
in preventing suicide attempts. A student counsellor should have a direct
involvement in developing a program that will minimize suicidal attempts. Parent
notification and support for student at risk of suicide will be included on the
schools roles in preventing suicide attempts. Based
on the data gathered, the counsellor plays a major part in preventing the
problem. Another way of preventing teenage suicide attempt, establishing a
suicide-based suicide prevention program, ranks second. An effective social
support within the school campus and individual resilience can help protect the
vulnerable persons from suicide by building and improving social connectedness
and skills to cope with the difficulties. The teacher will help motivate the
student in order to strengthen the students self-esteem, and build strong communication
between teacher–student and parent-children, and help the adolescent in finding
their identity in the world.
Conclusion
and Recommendation
Suicide
is the most common cause of death among teenagers and youths in Fiji. Student
suicides have become an alarming issue in Fiji, since most of the teenagers who
commit suicide seems getting younger and younger. Several factors are
identified in this study that may lead the student to commit suicide. Students
are vulnerable to suicide because of the problems and difficulties they
encounter at home and at school. Both parents and school need to understand the
potential signs of teenage suicide in order to provide effective prevention
programs. The government of Fiji is appealing everyone to address the
increasing teenage suicide rate in Fiji.
Based
on the finding of the study, the following are recommended:
1. The findings of the study may be included
as the bases for the University of Fiji to create a prevention program. There
should be an open communication between teachers and students to give an
opportunity for the student to express his/her feelings or emotions.
2. Parents must be vigilant to their childrens
unusual behaviour,
as well as their relationship with their friends. Parents are encouraged to
always communicate with their children to foster a healthy relationship and
boost self-esteem.
3. Since the present study utilizes only a
limited number of respondents, it is suggested that a wider scope of study is
needed to validate the findings.
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Corresponding
author:
*Muertigue
RR, Lecturer, University of Fiji, Fiji, Email: rosaliep@unifiji.ac.fj
#Naiker K, University of
Fiji, Fiji, Email: kamalan@unifiji.ac.fj
Citation:
Muertigue
RR. The Perceived Factors of Student Suicide in Fiji (2018) Edelweiss
Psychiatry Open Access 1: 21-24
