Psychological and socio-economic motivators of suicide among victims: implications for psychological-based intervention

Abstract

Suicide is a global serious public health problem that has been a cause of death among adolescent. Given its being one of the most severe human behaviors, a distinct focus would be to identify the underlying psychosocial factors that may predispose or precipitate suicidal ideation and behavior. Understanding motivators of suicidal behaviors from specific socio-economic contexts and blending such knowledge with modern psychological perspectives will enhance a more redefined understanding of suicide behavior. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to explore, the prevailing psychological and socio-economic suicide motivators among adolescents in Nigeria with a view to shed light on its implications for psychological based intervention. A non-random purposive sampling strategy was employed to get data that aligned with the objectives of the study. 34 suicide notes were selected using this method. Data was analysed using thematic analysis. The findings of this study reveal the psychological and socio-economic suicide motivators among adolescents in Nigeria, which include perceived burdensomeness, frustration and anger, psychological distress, hopelessness and helplessness, financial distress, social distress, self-debasing cognitive distortions and low adversity quotient. Given the findings of this study, it is recommended that Psychologists should focus on reconstructing self-basing cognitive distortions when treating individuals at risk of suicide. Implementing psychological interventions that are based on empirical evidence will allow informed decision to better understand suicide motivations and controlling for them while treating individuals at risk of suicide.