FACTORS INFLUENCING SUICIDAL TENDENCIES AMONG YOUTH AS EXPRESSED BY STUDENTS OF TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN LAGOS, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study focused on factors influencing suicidal tendencies among youth as expressed by students of tertiary institutions in Lagos metropolis. Survey design was adopted while a total of 250 respondents were randomly selected for the study. A self-designed questionnaire entitled “Factors Influencing Suicide” was employed to gather data for the study. A reliability coefficient of .78 was obtained. Mean and t-test statistical tools were used to analyse the data. One research question and four null hypotheses were tested at 0.05 alpha level. Results revealed that depressive symptoms from situations of abandonment by loved ones during health or other crises, financial incapacities, academic failures, getting jilted by trusted partners constituted major factors influencing suicide among youth. Results revealed no significant difference in students’ responses except for age. Study recommended that students should be adequately monitored and given comprehensive guidance and counselling by counselling practitioners in order to be properly informed about life and how serious issues are carefully handled.