Suicidal Ideation: Prevalence and Determinants among Undergraduate Students

Abstract

Suicidal ideation among undergraduate students is an important mental-health concern that may be associated with academic, psychological, interpersonal, and social difficulties. This study examined the prevalence of suicidal ideation among undergraduate students, assessed differences between male and female students, and explored factors associated with suicidal ideation. An explanatory sequential mixed-methods design was employed. The quantitative component involved 60 undergraduate students from the humanities and social sciences at Cotton University, Guwahati, Assam, selected through convenience sampling. Suicidal ideation was assessed using the Suicidal Ideation Scale, followed by semi-structured interviews with students exhibiting moderate levels of suicidal ideation. Of the 60 participants, 49 (81.67%) were classified as having mild suicidal ideation, comprising 29 males and 20 females, while 11 (18.33%) exhibited moderate suicidal ideation, comprising 10 females and one male. No participant was classified within the severe category. Female students recorded a higher mean suicidal ideation score (48.9) than male students (19.0), and the study reported a statistically significant gender difference. The qualitative findings identified several themes associated with suicidal ideation, including escape from reality, insecure attachment, negligent parenting, specific personality characteristics, and exposure to bullying behaviour. The findings indicate that suicidal ideation was present at varying levels among the participating undergraduate students and that its associated factors were multidimensional. Institutional screening, supportive relationships, accessible counselling, and appropriate referral mechanisms may therefore be relevant to student mental-health support.