Peer Pressure, Hopelessness and Suicide Ideation among College Students

Abstract

The aim of the study was to understand the relationship between Peer pressure, Hopelessness and Suicide ideation among college students. The study also helped to understand the impact of peer pressure and hopelessness on suicide ideation and also to see the difference between the variables among post graduate and under graduate students. A total of 150 college students under the age of 18-25 were a part of the study and the data was collected using Google forms including the questionnaire for peer pressure by Sandeep Singh and Sunil Saini (2007), Hopelessness questionnaire, and a suicide ideation scale by Augustine Osman, Beverly A. Kopper, Franciso X. Barrios, and Peter M. Guiterrez. The results of the study showed that there was a relationship between peer pressure and suicide ideation and hopelessness and suicide ideation among college students. There a relationship between peer pressure and hopelessness among college students. It was found that peer pressure negatively predicts suicide ideation and hopelessness positively predicts suicide ideation. The study also wanted to see the difference in peer pressure, hopelessness and suicide ideation between under graduate and post graduate students and it was found that there was no difference between the two groups. The study can be helpful as it will help one to understand the peer group the students have and how it can impact their thought process in both positive as well as negative way. And also, if suicide ideation is seen in students, the college and the staff can take the required steps to counsel the student as well as to make them aware of their thoughts and actions.