Benue State University, Makurdi

ROLE OF SOCIAL SUPPORT AND SELF-ESTEEM ON SUICIDAL BEHAVIOUR AMONG PSYCHIATRIC PATIENTS IN MAKURDI

Reuben Lubem Ibaishwa, Pauline Atsehe & Martha Kudza
(Department of Pure & Applied Psychology, AdekunleAjasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria)

Abstract

The study examined the role of social support and self-esteem on suicidal behavior among psychiatric patients in Makurdi. 104 respondents (male 74 (71.2%) and female 30 (28.8%)) were purposively selected among psychiatric patients at the Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi. A correlation research design was employed for the study. The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and the Suicidal Behavior Questionnaire-Revised were used for data collection. Three hypotheses were formulated and tested using Pearson correlation and independent t-test. The first hypothesis found a significant relationship between social support and suicidal behavior(r(df=102)=.18;p<.05), the second hypothesis indicated a significant relationship between self-esteem and suicidal behavior (r(df=102)=.18;p<.05). Significant differences were found in the level of self-esteem (t(df=102)=2.99; p<.05) and suicidal behavior (t(df=102)=1.43; p<.05) between psychiatric patients with high and low social support.Based on the findings, recommendations were made among others for mental health professionals to put into consideration consequences of mental illness and formulate effective strategies to enhance psychiatric patients social support and self-esteem to lessen risk potential to suicide.

DOWNLOAD COMPLETE ARTICLE HERE (CLICK)