CHAPTER 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE

RATIONALE

Suicide stays to be a crucial public health problem. Exposure and experiences to

pressure and stress has a big impact to human’s emotional well-being. The

Sangguniang Panlalawigan has expressed alarm on the high incidence of suicide

cases in the province. Senior Board Member Dionisio Victor Balite of the 3 rd District

of Bohol raises his concern as he echoed the sentiments of the Boholano people

on the alarming cases of suicidal and suicide attempts committed mostly by

youths. Close to 800, 000 people die due to suicide every year. For every year

suicide, there are many more people who attempt suicide every year. A prior

suicide attempt is the most important risk factors for suicide in the general

population (WHO fact sheet 2017). Study showed an association between suicidal

behavior (ideation, plan and attempts) and anxiety and loneliness. The transition

from childhood to adolescence, which is accompanied by physical and

psychological challenges such as depression, anxiety and loneliness have been

linked to suicide behaviours.

Suicide in an irrational desire to die. The main causes encountered by the

teenagers nowadays are the following: participant-parental relationships conflict

which is the difficult communication between parent and teen; Intimate relationship
problem including rejections which is a prominent cause of suicidal behavior

among boys and girls; adverse peer pressure especially emotional bullying,

substance abuse, poor education attainment that leads to low self-esteem and

hopelessness for the future and psychiatric disorders including depression, self-

focus and self-blame, and negative experience. The intention of this research is to

determine risk factors and usual characteristic pattern of suicidal teenagers and to

raise the awareness of each and everybody about emotional health and to help

stop or decrease the incidence rate of suicide.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

This study determined the risk factors influencing suicidal intention among

teenagers. Specifically, it sought to answer the following questions:

1. What is the Demographic Profile of the respondents, in terms of:

a.) Age;

b.) Gender

c.) Educational attainment of parents;

d.) Present problem within the last few weeks , and

e.) Socioeconomic status?

2. What are the factors influencing the rate of suicidal intentions, in terms of:

a.) Family factor;

b.) Social factor

 c.) Emotional factor

d.) Environmental factors

e.) School factors and

f.) Fear factors?

3. What are the characteristics of teenagers with suicidal intention

SCOPE AND DELIMINATION OF THE STUDY

This study focused on the risk factors influencing suicidal intention among

teenagers particularly Senior High School students with ages 15-19 who are at risk

of suicidal attempts. The study was conducted in Senior High Schools in Cogon

High School Evening Class, Tagbilaran City.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The findings of this study would benefit the following intensities:

Teenagers. This study would help teenagers to become more aware about their

emotional health. To give value to a survival instinct which is to stay alive from a

stand point to prevent depression that can hinder them from their activities of daily

living.
Family. This study would provide knowledge in identifying warning signs and

managements on controlling them. The finding would help the families to know the

consequences and immediate interventions when warning signs of suicide in seen.

Community. This result of the study would help the community to be aware and

open about emotional health of teenagers who might have suicidal intention and

to accept the transition of teenagers today.

Faculty. This study would help the teachers and other school staffs plays an

important role in providing informal support to students and in connecting them

with mental health services and other resources at the school. One type of

mental health service that has been widely disseminated in schools in suicide

prevention programs and seminars.

Guidance Counselor. This study would help school counselors to be more

equipped and effectively help student’s combat suicidal tendencies, and healthily

cope with problems they face at this trying stage in their life. Because of their

age, adolescents and young adults are particularly at risk for suicide.

Researcher. This study would serve as reliable resources for further study

suicidal intention of teenagers.

DEFINITION OF TERMS
Risk factors. Any attributes and characteristics that increases the likelihood in
development of suicidal intentions like pressure and depression.
Influence. Forces that has the capacity to have an effect on the thinking,
understanding and perception of teenagers about suicidal intentions.
Suicidal Intentions. The act of thinking and planning of suicide due to the thinking
of death as the solution of a problem.
Teenager. A period of physical and psychological development from the onset of
puberty to adulthood. A stressful time filled with major changes includes body
changes, changes in thoughts and changes in feeling. Strong feelings of stress,
confusion, fear and doubt may influence a teen’s problem solving decision making.
RECOMMENDATION
Based on the findings and conclusion in this study the following are the
considerations:
1. To strengthen and restore genuine family ties.
2. Since suicide is their scapegoat in pain and problems everyone should be
aware of the factors, characteristics, warning signs and behaviors of the
respondents.
3. Since low self-worth is a big factor, respondents should be reinforced with
positive mindset with easy access support groups in order to be
enlightened.
4. Students should also undergo team building, seminars, counseling and
bible studies since GOD is the center of our hearts