Suicidal Ideation and Forgiveness among Emerging Adults

Abstract

Emerging adulthood is a period of exploration. Identity formation and engaging in new life roles are the crucial process of emerging adulthood and they are at the peak of various risk behaviours. Suicide is the major public health concern in all societies and a leading cause of death. Emerging adults are at higher risk for suicide. Willingness to forgive can be an important element in successful transmission to adulthood. This present study examined the relationship between forgiveness and suicidal ideation among emerging adults and the difference in forgiveness and suicidal ideation with respect to the socio-demographic variables like gender, family type, and place of residence. The sample of the study consisted of 279 emerging adults, 115 males and 164 females, of age ranging from 18 to 25 years. It has been found that there is a significant negative relationship between forgiveness and suicidal ideation. Suicidal ideation and forgiveness differ significantly with respect to gender. Males have higher suicidal ideation than females. Forgiveness and two types of forgiveness (to self and others) tends to be high among females than males. No gender difference was found in forgiveness to situations. Significant difference not found in suicidal ideation and forgiveness with respect to family type and place of residence. The findings communicate the importance of forgiveness to reduce suicide risk. This study imply that forgiveness can act as a factor which helps to be overcome “the thought of killing oneself”.