Psychological Status and Suicidal Behavior among Adolescents in Bangladesh

Abstract

Suicidal behaviour includes all stages of the suicide process, including ideation, planning and attempting suicide. The level of depression, anxiety and stress expresses the psychological status which is the most important predictor of suicidal behavior. The study aimed to describe the psychological status, suicidal behaviour and relationships among adolescents in Bangladesh. A descriptive correlation study was conducted among 112 adolescents who were selected by using a convenient sampling technique. Data was collected through face to face interviews using a Bengali version semi structured questionnaire. After data collection, it was analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistics. The mean age of participants was 16.4 years ranging from 15 19 years. There was a significant relationship between suicidal behaviour and age (r= .222, p<0.05), relationship with friends (F=11.18, p<.001), being bullied ( 2.34, p<0.05), the experience of physical assault (t=4.06, p<.001), family history of mental illness (t=3.94, p<.001), family history of suicidal death (t=2.92, p<0.05), history of Sedatives taking ( t=5.39, p<.001). There was a significant correlation between psychological status and suicidal behaviour (r=.784, p<.001) among adolescents in Bangladesh. Findings showed that more than half of the adolescents have poor psychological status (higher depression, anxiety and stress) and more than one third have suicidal behaviour in studied adolescents. Lower psychological status increases suicidal behaviour. Community mental health and psychiatric programs need to be started to promote the psychological status of adolescents and to prevent suicidal behaviour among them.