Self-Expressivity and Social Support as Predictors of Suicide Ideation among Undergraduates of Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria.

Abstract

Sustaining life and controlling negative thoughts is vital to attaining academic goals and looking forward to a better and fulfilling life. This study examined self-expressivity and social support as predictors of suicide ideation among undergraduate students of Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey design was used for the study with 394 respondents comprising of 246 (62.4%) males and 148 (37.6%) females. The respondents were aged between 17 – 55 years. The Self-expressivity Scale, Social Support Scale and suicide ideation Scale were validated and used for data collection. Three research hypotheses were formulated and tested using Multiple Regression analysis. Result from the first hypothesis indicated that, self-expressivity significantly predicted suicide ideation among the undergradutes. The result of the second hypothesis showed that social support significantly predicated suicide ideation among the students. On the third hypothesis, self-expressivity and social support significantly predicted suicide ideation when they were jointly tested. Findings were discussed in line with studies reviewed and conclusions were drawn. It was recommended among others that healthy self-regulating mechanisms be employed to boost self-expressivity be encouraged among students while help and care from families, friends and significant others be sought to when encountering life-threatening challenges as students. Also, there is a need to seek professional help.