Volume 12, Issue 2, 2024

Poverty and Suicidal Ideation among Students in Higher Institutions in Lagos State: Need to improve and entrench moral/ethical standards.

Badejo A. O., & Tahir M. Babatunde

Abstract

This research examined the relationship between poverty and suicidal ideation (SI) among students in higher institutions in Lagos State. Suicidal thought is a wave among undergraduates transforming into suicidal attempts leading to suicide deeds in various campuses and the heifer society. The research adopted the descriptive correlational survey design. Two research questions and two null hypotheses guided the study. The sample comprised 141 respondents who were randomly selected from Lagos State University, Ojo, Yaba College of Technology, Yaba, and Lagos State University of Education, Epe campus. Using the Poverty and Suicidal Ideation Scale (PSIS) as a research instrument to elicit information about poverty and SI among students of higher education, the PSIS reliability coefficient using Cronbach’s Alpha test was 0.81. The instrument was administered individually in a group counselling setting. Data collected were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, Pearson Product Moment correlational coefficient and ANOVA for stated hypotheses at a 0.05 level of significance. It was established that there was a significant relationship between poverty and suicidal ideation. Therefore, there is a need for an all-inclusive approach to alleviate the devastating effects of poverty on students' mental health; and cultivate moral/ethical standards.

Keywords

Poverty, Suicidal Ideation, Higher Institutions

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