CHARACTER-BUILDING; AN ANTIDOTE FOR SUICIDAL IDEATION AMONG THE UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS OF UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA NSUKKA.
Keywords:
Character-building, suicidal ideation, antidote, resilience, integrity, contentment, self-control, courageAbstract
The rate of suicide in Nigeria, and more especially among the undergraduate students is quite on the increase. The numerous efforts and strategies by the Federal Government, and other agencies to help eradicate suicide seem not to have yielded much result. The main purpose of this study is therefore to examine Character-Building: an antidote or remedy for suicidal ideation among the undergraduate students of university of Nigeria, Nsukka. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The population of the study compromised of all undergraduate students in University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The sample of the study comprised of four hundred (400) year three students selected using a multi-stage procedure. A self-structured 4-point rating scale questionnaire titled Character-Building and Suicidal Ideation Questionnaire (CBSIQ) was used to elicit responses from the respondents. The instrument was face validated by three experts. The following reliability coefficients were established for the various clusters of the instrument using Cronbach alpha estimate, namely, Cluster A (0.73), Cluster B (0.64) Cluster C (0.69), Cluster D (0.67) and Cluster E (0.76), while a reliability coefficient of 0.70 was obtained for the entire test items. Mean and Standard deviation were used to answer the research questions, while t-test was used to analyze the null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significant. The research finding revealed that character-building (i.e., resilience, integrity, contentment, self-control and courage) helps in curtailing suicidal ideation to a high extent. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended among others that professional counsellors through seminars, workshops, and counselling services should enlighten the general public on the importance of building or strengthening those character traits capable of helping the students in managing intense negative emotions
References
Abdulazeez, B. (2020). Students top list as 42 Nigerians commit suicide in 6 months. Retrieved from https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/students-top-list-as-42-nigerians-commit-suicide-in-6-months.html. May 30, 2020
Adelowo, A.(2019). LUTH Suicide prevention initiative has saved 50 lives in two years. Available at https://guardian.ng/features/health/luth-suicide-prevention-initiative. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
Ajibola, A, O. & Agunbiade. (2021). Suicide ideation and its correlates among university undergraduates in South Western Nigeria. Int Q Community Health Educ. 31, March.
Alec Roy, Marco Sarchiapone & Vladimir Carli (2007) Low resilience in suicide attempters, archives of suicide research, 11:3, 265-269.
Alfred, O. (2019). 15 Nigerian students reportedly lost to suicide cases in 8 months. International Youth Journal, 24. August.
Aloba, O., Adefemi, S.& Aloba, T. (2018). Positive and negative suicide ideation (PANSI) Inventory: initial psychometric properties as a suicide risk screening tool among Nigerian university students. Clinical Medicine Insights: Psychiatry, 9, 1179557317751910.
Aloba, O., Ojeleye, O. & Aloba, T. (2017). The psychometric characteristics of the 4-item Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R) as a screening tool in a non-clinical sample of Nigerian university students. Asian journal of psychiatry, 26, 46-51.
American Psychological Association (2014). The road to resilience. Washington, DC: Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/helpcenter /road-resilience.aspx. February 12, 2021.
American Psychological Association. Resilience guide for parents and teachers. Retrieved from innovation, enthusian, spontaneity, etc. Retrieve From https://www.apa.org/ helpcenter/resilience.aspx. February 10, 2021.
Ancel, G., & Reinier, M. (2017). Resilience and suicide ideation: Coping mediator moderator effects among adolescent learners. Journal of Psychology in Africa; 27(6), 494-502. Doi:10.1080/14330237.
Anna, R., Alejandra, R., Lukasz, L.& Krzysztof, L.(2016). Chronic stress and suicidal thinking among medical students. International Journal of Environmental Research Public Health, 13(2): 212.
Bauman, D.C.(2013). Leadership and the three faces of integrity. Leadership quarterly, 24, 414 - 426.
Becker, J (2019). Contentment: How to find this unmistakable freedom -becoming minimalist. Retrieved from www.becoming minimalist. Com/the unmistakable. February 10, 2021.
Bell, J.(2010). Is there a difference between character and personality? Retrieved from https://positive psychology.com/character-traits. October 15, 2020.
Bialik, M., Bogan, M., Fadel, C.& Horvathova, M. (2015). Character Education for the 21st Century: What should students learn? Centre for Curriculum Redesign, Boston.
Bridge, J.A, Goldstein, T.R. & Brent, D.A.(2006). Adolescent suicide and suicidal behavior. Journal of child psychology and psychiatry, 47: 372 - 394.
Budi, A. K, Tinneke, A.T., Novy, C.A. & Erna, E.(2015). The influence of the training of coping skills for stress on self-control and intensity of depression among adolescents with suicide risk. International Journal of Advanced Nursing Studies. Doi: 10.144191 Yan's. Vi2.4928.
Center for Disease and Control(CDC, 2021). Risk and protective factors. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov. June, 2021.
Cheng, X., Bu, H., Duan, W. l., Along, H.& Yapin, Z. (2020). Measuring character strengths as possible protective factors against suicidal ideation in older Chinese adults: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health, 20, 439. Retrieved fromhttps://doi.org/10.1186/s 12889-020-8457-7. June 15, 2021.
Cibis, A., Mergl, R., Bramesfeld, A., Althaus, D., Niklewski ,G., Schmidtke, A. & Hegerl, U. (2012). Preference of lethal methods is not the only cause for higher suicide rates In males. J Affect Disord., 136(1-2):9-16.
Crosby, A. E, Ortega, L.& Melanso, C.(2011). Self-directed violence surveillance: Uniform definitions and recommended data elements. Atlanta. GA: Center for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control.
Cynthia, L.S.P., Charles, B., Renee E. Kulik, K L. Skjerning, K.L.& Emily A. S. (2015) Is courage always a virtue? Suicide, killing, and bad courage, The Journal of Positive Psychology, 10(5), 383-388, DOI: 10.1080/17439760.2015.1004552
De Ridder, D., Kroese, F., & Gillebaart, M. (2017). Whatever happened to self-control? A proposal for integrating notions from trait self-control research. Health Psychology, 5,722.
DeLisi, M. (2014). Low self-control is a brain-based disorder. SAGE Publications LTD. doi:10-4135/97814833491. Retrieved on January 10, 2021.
Denwigwe, C.P., & Ezekwe, H. E (2019). Character Education as an antidote for corruption and a strategy for promotion of social change in Nigeria: A Review. The Counsellor, 38(6).
Dodge, A. (2016). Integrity: A trait more important than personality. Personality Hacker.com. Retrieved from https:// personalityhacker.com, May 19, 2020.
Eagly, A.H., Beall, A.E., & Sternberg, R. J. (Eds.) (2004). The psychology of gender (2nd Ed.). The Guilford press.
Eisenblatt, S. (2002). The straight road to happiness: A personal guide to enable us to overcome tendencies which block our natural flow of happiness and to explore new horizon of inner joy. p. 292.
Eweniyi, G. B. (2009). Stress management skills and university students academic behavior: Implications for counseling. The Social Sciences, Scientific Research Publishing Company. Medwell Journals, 4(1), 139 - 142.
Fagbenro, D.A. & Olagundoye, H.F. (2019). Role of self-efficacy, life frustration, quality of health and meaning in life on suicidal ideation among adolescents: A Nigeria experience. International Journal of Research Studies in Psychology; 8 (1), 15-25.
Freeman, A., Mergl, R., Kohls,E., Székely, A., Gusmao, R., Arensman, R., Koburger, N., Hegerl, U. & Rummel-Kluge, C. (2017). A cross-national study on gender differences in suicide intent. BMCPsychiatry.17,234 .https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-017-1398-8. Retrived on June 15, 2021.
Friese, M.& Hofmann, W.(2009). Control me or I will control you: impulses, trait self-control, and the guidance of behavior. Journal of Research n Personality, 43, 795 - 805.
Gordon, E.H. & Hubbard, R. E. (2020). Differences in fraility in older men and women. Med J Aust; 212(4): lldoi: 10.594/mja2.050166. retrieved on June 4, 2021.
Gulzhaina, K.K, Algerim, K.N, Ospan, S.S., Hans, S. J. & Cox, N. B. C.(2018). Stress management techniques for Students. Advances in Social Science, Education and Humanities Research. 198(1), 47 - 56. Doi: 10, 2991/l.
Gvion, Y. & Alter, A. (2017). Suicide and suicidal behavior. Public Health Reviews, 34(2), 9. Running head: Psychosocial determinants of Suicidal Ideation.
Hameeda, S. & Musaddiq, J.(2017). Student stress and suicidal ideation: The role of social support from family, friends, and significant others. International Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences Invention, 6 (9), 21- 32.
Hardy, M.(2013). Statistics on college students' stress, accessed March: in Kio, J.O, Omeonu, P. E. & Agbede, C. O.(2015). Assessment of stress levels among undergraduates in Nigeria: Implication for mental health policy. Journal of Nursing and Health Science, 4, (11).
Harmer, B., Lee, S., Duong, T.V. H. & Saadabadi, A. (2021). Suicidal ideation. In: Statpearls (internet). Treasure Island (FL): Statpearls Publishing; PMID: 33351435.
Hecht, J. M. (2013). To live is an act of courage. The American Scholar. Retrieved from https:theamericanscholar,org/to-live-is-an-act-of-courage, on June 20, 2021.
Hemamalini, R., Ashok, V. & Sasikala, V. (2018). A study on stress management and its impact among Students. International Journal of Academic Research in Economics and Management Sciences, 7- i3/4439.
Herrman, H., Stewart, D.E., Granados, N.D; Berger, E. L., Jackson, B. & Yuen, T. (2011). What is Resilience? In Review. La Revue Canadienne de psychiatrie, 56 (5).
Hiswals, A., Ghilagaber., Wijk, K., Oberg, P., Soares, J. & Macassa, G. (2015). Employment status and suicidal ideation during economic recession. Health Science Journal; 9, No. 1:13.
Hjemdal, O., Vogel, P. A., Solem, S., Hagen, K., & Stiles, T. C. (2011). The relationship between resilience and levels of anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms in adolescents. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, 18(4), 314-321. doi:10.1002/cpp.719
Hubert's, L.W.J.C.(2018). Integrity: what it is and why it is important, public integrity, 20: sup1, 518 - 532, doi:10. 1080/10999922. 1477404.
Jacobsen, D.(2008). The relative efficacy of antidotes. Journal of Toxical Clin. Toxicol. 33(6): 705 -708. Doi: 10.3109/15563659509010633.
Jegannathan, B. & Kullgren, G. (2011). Gender differences in suicidal expressions and their determinants among young people in Cambodia, a post- conflict country. BMC Psychiatry. March 21; 11:47. doi:10.1187/147-244X-11-47. Retrieved on June 10, 2021.
John, F. A. (2018). Gender, social support and resiliency in suicidal ideation among U.S. Army Soldiers. Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies.
Johnson, J., Gooding,P., Wood, A., & Tarrier, N. (2010). Resilience as positive coping appraisals: Testing the schematic appraisals model of suicide (SAMS). Behavior Research and Therapy, 48(3), 179-186. doi:10.1016/j.brat.2009.10.007
Joiner, T.E. (2005). Why people die by Suicide. Cambridge, MA; Harvard University Press.
Kalli, K. A. & Shehu, A.B. (2018). Effects of stress on the academic performance of students of tertiary institution (A case study of Ramat Polytechnic Maiduguri, Borno State of Nigeria). International Journal of Humanities, Art and Social Sciences, 3(3). 2018.
Kamble, R. (2015). Resilience, suicidal ideation, depression and adolescents. International Journal of Education and Psychological Research, 4(3), 27-30. http://ijepr.org/doc/V4_Is3_Sep15/ij5.pdf
Kelly, M.R.(2018). What's the difference between college and university in U.S. Retrieved from Https:// www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles. June, 2021.
Khan. M.J., Alltaf, S., & Kausar, H.(2013). Effect of perceived academic stress on students’ performance, FWU.Journal of Social Sciences, 7(2), 146 - 151.
Klonsky, E. D, May, A.M. & Saffer, Y.B. (2016). Suicide, suicide attempts, and suicidal ideation. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 12:307 - 30.
Klonsky, E. D.& May, A.M. (2015). The Three - Step Theory (3ST): A New Theory of Suicide Rooted in the "Ideation - to - Action" Framework. International Journal of Cognitive Therapy, 8 (2), 114 - 129.
Klonsky, E.D. & May, A. (2010). Rethinking impulsivity in suicide. Suicide Life Threat Behav. 2010;40:612–619. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]PMID: 26425440
Klonsky, E.D., Saffer, B. Y. & Bryan, C. J.(2018). Ideation-to-action theories of suicide: A conceptual and empirical update. Current opinion in psychology, 22, pp.38 - 43.
Knobloch-Westerwick, S. &Hoplamazian, G.J. (2012). Gendering the self. Selective magazine reading and reinforcement of gender conformity. Communication research, 39,358-384.
Lerner, R.M.(2006). Developmental science, developmental systems, and contemporary theories of human development. In W. Damon & R.M. Lerner(Ed's.), Handbook of childhood psychology, 1. Theoretical models of human development (6th Ed.,pp. 1-7). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.
Luthans, F. (2002). The need for and meaning of positive organisational behaviour. Journal of Organisational Behaviour, 23: 695 - 706.
Mandleco B. L. & Peery, C. (2000), An Organisational Framework for conceptualising resilience in Children, JCAPN, 13(2).
Masten, A.S. (2018). Resilience theory and research on children and families: past, present, and promise. Journal of family Theory & Review. 16 (1), 12 – 31
Maya, B., Michael, B., Charles, F. & Michaela, H. (2015). Character education for the 21st Century: What should students learn? Center for curriculum redesign Boston, Massachusetts.
Mcgee, M. (2019). Contentment: what is contentment? Retrieved from https:// drmichaelmcgee.com/contentment. May 21, 2020.
Mischel, W. & Ayduk, O. (2004). Willpower in a cognitive-affective processing system: The dynamics of delay of gratification. In R. F. Baumeister & K. D. Vohs (Eds.), Handbook of self-regulation: Research, theory, and applications (p. 99–129). The Guilford Press. Retrieved from https://psynet.apa.org.recod. July 9, 2020.
Muhammad, S. B.(2010). Stress, stressors and coping strategies among secondary school students in a Malaysian Government Secondary School: Initial Findings, ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, 11(2), 2010, 60 - 68.
Nasrin, I., Mohsen, A., Reza, G.J. & Shabnam, H. (2010). A study of relationship between suicidal ideas, depression, anxiety, resiliency, daily stresses and mental health Among Tehran University students. Procedia Social and Behavioural Sciences, 5(2010); 1515-1519.
Nwankwo, O.C.(2016). A practical guide to research writing. M & J Grand Orbit and Communication LTD. Port Harcourt. Rivers State.
Nyorere, O. I., James, I. O. & Udom, I. (2020). Personal-psycho characteristics and attitude towards suicidal behavior among University students in South Eastern States of Nigeria. British Journal of Education, 8 (3) 16- 26.
O' Byrne, K.K., Lopez,S.J. & Peterson, S. (2000). Building a theory of courage: A precursor to change? Paper presented at the 108th Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association, Washington, D.C.
Obinna, C. & Olawale, G. (2019). More Nigerians to die by suicide if.. retrieved from https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/05/more-nigerians-to-die-by-suicide-if. August 10, 2020.
O'Connor, R.C. & Nick, M.K. (2014). The psychology of suicidal behavior. The Lancet Psychiatry, 1(1) 73 - 85.
Odu, I. (2021). Again, Unn Student Commits Suicide. Retrieve from https://www.google.com /amp/s/www.vanguardngr.com/2021/03/again-unn-student-commits-suicide/amp.March 3, 2021.
Oginyi, R. C. N., Mbam, .O.S., Nwonyi, S., Ekwo, J.C. & Nwoba, M. O.E. (2015) Personality Factors, Academic Stress and Socio - economic Status as factors in suicide ideation among undergraduates of Ebonyi State University. Asian Social Science; 14(9).
Ojumu, B. (2016). Importance of contentment. Retrieved from https://www. Passonownow.com. May 21, 2020.
Okeke, A.O. & Ogbonnaya, C. E. (2019). Personality dimensions as predictions of suicidal ideation among selected prison inmates in Anambra State, Nigeria: A demographical perspectives. Asian Journal of Medicine and Health, 17 (1): 1-10.
Okoedion, E.G. & Okolie, U.C. (2019). Youth suicidal behaviour: An evaluation of risk factors in Edo State, Nigeria. World Scientific News, 125 (2019) 51-71.
Oladele, A.O. & Oladele, I.T.(2016). Depression and suicidal ideation among college students with and without learning disabilities in Nigeria. The European Journal of Social and Behavioral Sciences, xvi (eISSN: 2301 - 2218).
Onu, S.m., Okoye, C. F.A., Mabia, C., Ifedigbo, C. F. & Babatunde, S.I. (2020). Suicidal ideation among Undergraduates in Nigeria: The predictive role of personality traits and academic stress. International Journal of Innovative Research & Development. Doi No.: 10.24940/ijird/2020/v9/i2/FEB20001.
Onyekwuru, B.U. (2010). Principles of counselling and psychotherapy. ADYUDI PRESS. Owerri.
Osagi (2001). Gender mainstream: An overview. New York.
Otonko, J. (2012). University education in Nigeria: History, successes, failures and the way forward. International Journal of Technology and Inclusive Education (IJTE); 1(2).
Otonko, J.(2012). University education in Nigeria: History, success, failures and the way forward. International Journal of Technology and Inclusive, 1 (2).
Pianalto, M. (2012). Moral courage and facing others. Philosophical studies, 20 (2): 165-184.
Rahul, K (2015), Resilience, suicidal ideation, depression and adolescents. International Journal of Education and Psychological Research (IJEPR), 4 (3).
Randall, R., Leo, S., Oquendo, M.A., Lizardi, D. & Barbara, S. (2009). Moral objections to Suicide and suicidal ideation among mood disordered whites, blacks and hispanics. Journal of Psychiatric research; 43(4): 360 - 365.
Richardson, R., Tolson, H., Tse - Yang, H. & Yi - Hsuan, L. (2009). Character education: lessons for teaching social and emotional competence. Children and Schools, 31 (2), 71- 78.
Roberts, B.W., Kuncel, N.R., Shiner, R., Caspi, A. & Goldberg, L. R. (2007). The power of personality: The contemporary validity of personality traits, socioeconomic status, and cognitive ability for predicting important life outcomes. Perspect psycho Sci.; 2(4): 313 - 45. Doi: 10. 1111/ji. 1745 -6916.
Robin, D. E., Bostik, K.E, & Paulson, . B.L. (2006). Being in the safety zone: emotional experiences of suicidal adolescents and emerging adults. Journal of Adolescent Research, 21 (4), 370 - 392.
Ron, K.(2018). Character versus personality - understanding character: School for champions. Retrieved fromwww.school-forchampions.com June 20, 2021.
Rothbart, M. & Rueda, R. (2005). The Development of effortful control. In Oysrrman, D. (2007). Social Identity and self-regulation. Social psychology: Handbook of basic principles. The Guilford press, New York. London.
Sakellardi, E. (2016). What is character education and why is it important? Retrieved from https:// ethaca.com/character, May 19, 2021.
Samuel, D. B. & Widiger, T. A.(2011). Conscientiousness and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. Personal Disord. 2(3): 161 - 74.
Saul, M. (2014). Biological theories of gender. Retrieved from https://www.simplypsychology .org/gender-biology. June 21, 2021.
Sher, L. (2019). Resilience as a focus of suicide research and prevention. Acta Psychiatric Scandinavica; 140(2). Doi:10.11111acs.15059.
Ugwoke, S. C., Arumede, F.I., Oboegbulem, A.I., Amoke, J. N., Agundu, U. V., Oko A. O., Ugwu, R. & Nwobi, U. A.(2018). Management of students' stress in Federal Colleges of Education in Nigeria. International Journal of Applied Engineering Research, 13 ( 17), 13219 - 13226.
UNESCO (2003). Gender mainstream implementation framework. Retrieved from http://www. unesco.org. June 20, 2021.
Värnik, A., Kõlves, K., Vanderfeltz-Cornelis, C.M., Marusic, A., Oskarsson, H., Palmer, A., Reisch, T., Scheerder, G., Arensman, E., Aromaa, E., Giupponi, G., Gusmäo, R., Maxwell, M., Pull, C., Szekely, A., Sola, V. P. & Hegerl, U. (2008). Suicide methods in Europe: a gender-specific analysis of countries participating in the "European Alliance Against Depression". J Epidemiol Community Health, 62(6):545-51.
Vijayakumar, L. (2015). Suicide in women. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 57, supply s2:233-8
Wilburn, V. R. & Smith, D.E. (2005). Stress, self - esteem, and suicidal ideation in late adolescents. Adolescence, 40 (157) Spring 2005. Libra Publishers.
William,L.& Ron, M., (2014). Introduction to sociology – 1st Canadian edition. The Bc Open Textbook Project. Retrieved from https://opentextbookbc.ca/introductiontosociology. June 20, 2021.
Wong, J.C.(2018). Predicting Suicide and its prevention.Ann Acad. Med. Singapore; 47(9): 357. - 359. PMID: 30324963.
Woodard, C.R. (2004). Hardiness and the concept of courage. Consulting Psychology Journal: Practice and Research, 56, 173 - 185.
World Health Organisation. (2018). Global Health Estimates 2016: Deaths by cause, age, sex, by country and by region, 2000 - 2016. World Health Organisation, Geneva.
World Health Organization,(2020). iCD-11 mortality and morbidity statistics.
World Health Organization. (2012). Public health action for the prevention of suicide. WHO, Geneva.
World Health Organization.(2001). Mental health: New understanding: new hope. The World Health Report. WHO, Geneva.
Yari, G., Yossi, L., Gergö, H. & Alan, A. (2015). The role of impulsivity and decision-making in suicidal behavior. World J Psychiatry.2015Sep22;5(3):255–259. Published online 2015 Sep22. doi:10.5498/wjp.v5.i3.255PMCID:PMC4582302
You, Z., Song, J., Wu, C., Ping, Q., & Zongkui, Z (2014). Effects of life satisfaction and psychache on risk for suicidal behaviour: a cross - sectional study based on data from Chinese undergraduates. BMJ open 2014; 4:e004096.doi:10.1136/6mjopen-2013-004096.
Yvette, B. (2020). Suicide Ideation: Symptoms, causes, prevention, and resources. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/193026. June 19, 202
