Types of Attitude toward Suicide in High School Students: A Q-Methodology Approach

Abstract

Purpose: The rate of suicide is rising most rapidly among high school students. Teenage suicide is no longer just a personal problem. This study investigated and classified high school students concerning in South Korea with an aim of identifying suicidal ideation and types of teenage suicide. Method: A Q-methodology was used to identify factors in suicidal attitude of high school students. A Q-sample was collected from in-depth and objective interviews and literature reviews. A P-sample consisted of 37 high school students : selected Q-samples were sorted on a 9-point scale. Results: Three types of suicidal attitudes were evident among high school students : abomination(Type 1), understanding of the situation (type 2), and social responsibility(type 3). Conclusion: Precautionary measures against high school students suicide should be formulated according to the types of attitudes toward suicide in south Korea.