Student Stress and Suicidal Ideation in College students

Abstract

Stress can be defined as a state of worry or mental tension caused by a difficult situation. Stressors faced by college students are due to transitions in lifestyle, increased responsibilities, higher academic workload and interpersonal relationship concerns. Suicidal ideation often called suicidal thoughts or ideas is an umbrella which covers a broad range of contemplations, wishes, and preoccupations with death and suicide. This study conducted among 100 students of ages 17 and 18, found a strong positive correlation between stress and suicidal ideation, with a correlation coefficient (Spearman’s rho) of 0.599. Regression analysis demonstrates that stress levels can effectively predict suicidal ideation. These findings underscore the need to address stress as a risk factor for suicidal ideation, highlight the necessity of interventions targeted towards stress reduction, as well as promotion of mental wellbeing.