DR.

RAM MANOHAR LOHIYA NATIONAL

LAW UNIVERSITY, LUCKNOW

PSYCHOLOGY
2014-15
Final Project on

A Causal Approach To Teenage Suicide

Submitted to:- Submitted by:-

Ms. Isha Yadav Shailesh Kumar

Assistant Professor (Psychology) Roll no. -124

Dr. RMLNLU B.A. LL.B(Hons.)- Ist sem

 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I express my gratitude and deep regards to my teacher Ms. Isha Yadav for giving
me such a challenging topic and also for her exemplary guidance, monitoring and
constant encouragement throughout the course of this thesis.

I also take this opportunity to express a deep sense of gratitude to my seniors in

the college for their cordial support, valuable information and guidance, which helped
me in completing this task through various stages.

I am obliged to the staff members of the Madhu Limaye Library, for the timely
and valuable information provided by them in their respective fields. I am grateful
for their cooperation during the period of my assignment.

Lastly, I thank almighty, my family and friends for their constant encouragement
without which this assignment would not have been possible.

Shailesh Kumar
1st Semester, Roll No. 123

INTRODUCTION
 Suicide is the action of killing oneself intentionally. It is the third most common cause of
death amongst adolescents between teenagers. It is estimated that over half of all teens suffering
from depression will attempt suicide at least once, and among those teens, roughly seven percent
will succeed on the first try. Teenagers are particularly vulnerable to the threat of suicide,
because in addition to increased pressure from school, work and peers, teens are also dealing
with hormonal fluctuations that can complicate even the most normal situations.

Because of these social and personal changes, teens are also at greater risk for depression, which
can also increase feelings of desperation and the desire to commit suicide. Often, teens feel as
though they have no other way out of their problems, and may not comprehend that suicidal
thoughts and feelings can be treated. Unfortunately, due to the often changeable relationship
between teens and their parents, teenagers may not be as impending about suicidal feelings as
parents would hope.

Young people with mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, or
insomnia are at higher risk for suicidal thoughts. Teens going through major life changes
(parents' divorce, a parent leaving home due to parental separation, financial changes) and those
who are victims of bullying are at greater risk of suicidal thoughts.

The project will talk about the major psychological factors involved during suicide among teens
like the feelings of distress, irritability, or agitation. Many teen suicides occur when there is a
feeling of hopelessness and worthlessness that often accompany depression. Emotional, physical
or sexual abuse, lack of a support group, poor relationships with parents or peers, and feelings of
social isolation are other major psychological factors of teen suicide which will be later
discussed in the project.

OBJECTIVE
The objective of the study is to explore the causes of growing suicide in teenagers, which is
highest in the category of suicide, and to find out the reasons why teenagers do it.

METHOD OF RESEARCH
The method of research followed in the project will be qualitative survey. Qualitative survey is a
method of inquiry employed in many different academic disciplines, traditionally in the social
science, but also in market research. Qualitative researchers aim to gather an in-depth
understanding of human behavior and the reasons that govern such behavior. The qualitative
method investigates the why and how of decision making, not just what, where, when. Hence,
smaller but focused samples are more often used than large samples.

RESEARECH QUESTIONS

Why teenagers commit suicide?

What are the factors involved in suicidal feelings?
How does suicide affect friends and family members?
Why do men commit suicide more often than women do?
Is suicide related to impulsiveness?
Does depression increase the risk of suicide?
What does suicide contagion mean, and what can be done to prevent it?

HYPOTHESIS
My hypothesis is that teenage suicide rates will be lower in countries where teenagers are
reported to be happier and they less of social pressure.

METHOD OF DATA COLLECTION

The method of data collection is Non Probability Sample. A Non Probability Sample is one in
which there is a basic assumption about the nature of the population under study. It is a sampling
technique where the samples are gathered in a process that does not give all the individuals in the
population equal chances of being selected. The data collection in this project would be based on
questionnaire subjected to at most 10 to 15 people.

WHAT CAUSES TEENAGERS TO ATTEMPT SUICIDE?

Teenagers age is a stressful developmental period filled with major changes change in
physical appearance, changes in thoughts, and changes in feelings. Strong feelings of stress,
confusion, fear, and uncertainty, as well as pressure to succeed, and the ability to think about
things in new ways influence a teenagers problem solving and decision making abilities.

For some teenagers, normal developmental changes, when compounded by other events
or changes in their families such as divorce or moving to a new community, changes in
friendships, difficulties in school, or other losses can be very upsetting and can become
overwhelming. Problems may appear too difficult or embarrassing to overcome. For some,
suicide may seem like the only solution to overcome from such a situation.

Common problems preceding self-harm:

Difficulties or disputes with parents
School or work problems
 Difficulties with boyfriends or girlfriends
Disputes with siblings
Physical ill health
Difficulties or disputes with peers
Depression (Low mood)
Bullying
Low self esteem
Sexual problems
Alcohol and drug abuse
Awareness of self-harm by friends or family

WHAT IS SUICIDAL BEHAVIOUR?

Suicidal behavior is defined as a preoccupation or act that is focused on causing one's own
death voluntarily. Intent to cause one's death is essential in the definition. Suicidal ideation
refers to thoughts of suicide or wanting to take one's own life. 1 Suicidal behavior refers to
actions taken by one who is considering or preparing to cause his/her own death. Suicide
attempt usually refers to an act focused on causing one's own death that is unsuccessful in
causing death. Suicide refers to having intentionally caused one's own death.

PREVENTION OF SUICIDE:
Recognition and early intervention of mental and substance abuse disorders is the most
effective way to prevent suicide and suicidal behavior. Studies have shown that suicide
prevention programs most likely to succeed are those focused on identification and

1 http://kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/behavior/suicide.html
treatment of mental illness and substance abuse, coping with stress, and controlling
aggressive behaviors.

Generally those who are suffering from feeling of hopelessness, depression or any type
of mental pressure are likely to commit suicide, such a teen should be treated with outmost
care and he/she should be made to believe on himself/herself.

Warning signs for teen depression:

Feelings of sadness or hopelessness
Declining school performance
Loss of pleasure/interest in social and sports activities
Sleeping too little or too much
Changes in weight or appetite
Nervousness, agitation or irritability
Substance abuse

Steps parents can take:

Treat your child with outmost love and care.
Get your child help (medical or mental health professional).
Support your child (listen, avoid undue criticism, remain connected).
Become informed (library, local support group, Internet).
Share your childs problem, build a healthy relationship.

Steps teens can take:

Take your friend's behavior and discussion of suicide seriously.
Encourage your friend to seek professional help, accompany if
necessary.
 Talk to an adult you trust. Don't be alone in helping your friend.
Try to create such an environment where your friend feels safe and if
possible make them do things that they enjoy to do. For ex. Engage them in
sports activities, or any such activity that your friends loves.

THE RESPONSES
CASE 1:

After the subject was briefed about the Teenage suicide especially its causes the following
questions were asked.

1. Why teenagers commit suicide?

Ans. Teenagers commit suicide because they are not able to live up to the expectation of their
parents and there is also increased involvement of peer pressure.

2. What are the factors involved in suicidal feelings?

Ans. Factors involved in suicidal feelings are like pressure created by group circles and his low
esteem and these leads them to commit suicide.

3. How does suicide affect friends and family members?

Ans. The effects of suicidal behavior or completed suicide on friends and family members are
often devastating.

4. Why do male commit suicide more often than women do?

Ans. Male teenagers commit suicide more often than women do because there is less check on
male teenagers than women. Male teenagers in our society are generally given more freedom
than women which is also a reason of high suicide among male teenagers.

5. Is suicide related to impulsiveness?

Ans. Yes, definitely because it is a sudden act and there is no thinking on that matter involved.
6. Does depression increase the risk of suicide?

Ans. Yes, depression increases the risk of suicide because individual committing suicide is
feeling depressed and he is in at that moment at low esteem.

7. What can be done to prevent suicide contagion?

Ans. There should be kept some check on these things which influence teenagers to commit
suicide.

CASE 2:

After the subject was briefed about the Teenage suicide especially its causes the following
questions were asked.

1. Why teenagers commit suicide?

Ans. Teenagers commit suicide because they are not able to fulfill their desirable needs and goals
and there is unwanted pressure from societies and families.

2. What are the factors involved in suicidal feelings?

Ans. Factors involved in suicidal feelings are like guilt involved for not able to live up to the
expectations of your families.

3. How does suicide affect friends and family members?

Ans. It causes mental agony and pain to friends and family members and in some cases this leads
to family members committing suicide.

4. Why do male commit suicide more often than women do?

Ans. Male teenagers commit suicide more often than women do because male teenagers are
more involved in difficulties and disputes with peers.

5. Is suicide related to impulsiveness?

Ans. Yes, definitely because it is a sudden act and most of the suicide activities take place in the
fit of anger which leads to a sudden act.

6. Does depression increase the risk of suicide?

Ans. Yes, depression increases the risk of suicide because they think of the same thing again and
again.

7. What can be done to prevent suicide contagion?

Ans. I have no idea about it.

CASE 3:

After the subject was briefed about the Teenage suicide especially its causes the following
questions were asked.

1. Why teenagers commit suicide?

Ans. Teenagers commit suicide because there is some sudden provocation and happening of an
unpleasant act.

2. What are the factors involved in suicidal feelings?

Ans. Factors involved in suicidal feelings are like when there are some difficulties and disputes
with parents the factor of generation gap (which is not able to understand the feelings of the son)
can also be a reason of teenage suicide.

3. How does suicide affect friends and family members?

Ans. Family and friends of a person who committed suicide may have mixed feelings including
anger, regret, guilt, isolation and shock.

4. Why do male commit suicide more often than women do?

Ans. Male commits suicide more often than women do because male teenagers are less
expressive and male teenagers tend to hide their feelings more often than women.
5. Is suicide related to impulsiveness?

Ans. In certain cases it is impulsive and in some cases it is purely circumstantial.

6. Does depression increase the risk of suicide?

Ans. Yes, depression increases the risk of suicide because the person is not able to think
accurately at the time of depression.

7. What can be done to prevent suicide contagion?

Ans. Suicide contagion can be stopped by carrying out awareness and counseling program.

CASE 4:

After the subject was briefed about the Teenage suicide especially its causes the following
questions were asked.

1. Why teenagers commit suicide?

Ans. Teenagers commit suicide because teenage is that type of age when teenagers are not
mature enough to judge between what is right and wrong.

2. What are the factors involved in suicidal feelings?

Ans. Factors involved in suicidal feelings at teenage age are school and work pressure and the
pressure of achieving something which they are not able to achieve.

3. How does suicide affect friends and family members?

Ans. Death due to suicide of any friend or family member can cause mental pain and agony to
the family members and friends.

4. Why do male commit suicide more often than women do?

Ans. Male commits suicide more often than women do because male teenagers are more prone to
pressure and emotional disturbances than women.
5. Is suicide related to impulsiveness?

Ans. Yes, suicide is an impulsive act because teenagers generally dont think about the solutions
to the problems and commit a wrong act like suicide.

6. Does depression increase the risk of suicide?

Ans. Yes, depression increases the risk of suicide because in the stage of depression teenager is
not able to think properly and take a wrong turn.

7. What can be done to prevent suicide contagion?

Ans. Social awareness and counseling program can be used as a preventive measure to stop
suicide contagion.

SURVEY QUESTION

1. Male/Female ?

2. Age ?

3. Have you ever heard of teenage suicide happening to someone you personally know?
a) Yes b) no

4. What do you think is the main reason teenagers commit suicide?

a) Bullying b) academic pressure c) stress d) loneliness
e) family problems

5. What makes you feel stressed?

a) friends/relationships b) parents c) academic pressure d) other___________
6. Do you know about cyber-bullying?

a) Yes b) no
If so, do you believe it can affect teenage suicide?

a) Yes b) no

7. How many teenage suicides do you think happen in the India in one year?
a) Less than 100 b) 101-500 c) 501-1000 d) 1001-2000 e) 2001-3000 f) over 3000

8. What is the best way to prevent teenage suicide as a parent?

a) Counseling b) change their lifestyle c) medical help
d) other___________

9. What is the best way to decrease teenage suicide as a government or a school?

a) Counseling b) stop the bullying c) educate teens
d) other___________

10. Do you think teenage suicide will decrease?

a) Yes b) no

SURVEY RESULT
1. Male (12)/Female (4)

2. Age: 18-20

3. Have you ever heard of teenage suicide happening to someone you know?
a) Yes (5) b) No (11)
4. What do you think is the main reason teenagers commit suicide?
a) Bullying (3) b) Academic pressure (6) c) Stress (5) d) Loneliness (0)
e) Family problems (2)

5. What makes you feel stressed?

a) friends/relationships (6) b) parents (4) c) academic pressure(6)
e) other___________(0)

6. Do you know about cyber-bullying? a) yes (16) b) no (0)

If so, do you believe it can affect teenage suicide? a) yes (15) b) no(1)

7. How many teenage suicides do you think happen in the India in one year?
a) less than 100(0) b) 101-500(4) c) 501-1000 (4) d) 1001-2000 (4)
e) 2001-3000 (4) f) over 3000 (0)

8. What is the best way to decrease teenage suicide as a parent?

a) counseling (6) b) change their lifestyle (1) c) medical help (9)
d) other___________ (0)

9. What is the best way to decrease teenage suicide as a government or a school?

a) Counseling (6) b) stop the bullying (4) c) educate teens (6)
d) other___________ (0)

10. Do you think teenage suicide will decrease?

a) Yes (9) b) no (7)

CONCLUSION
 These days the teenagers have to cope-up with many sociological pressures as well many
psychological pressures. They have to keep a balance between their personal life and social life.
Sometimes due to some unavoidable circumstances they cannot maintain the balance and as a
result they suffer from mental agony, which in some cases leads to depression and some of the
victims commit suicide.

Through my project I have shown the views of various people on what they think about
teenage suicide and what can be the preventive measure taken to stop it. I have tried to explain
(and gained knowledge on) teenage suicide through psychological perspective on what suicidal
behavior is and what causes teenagers to attempt suicide. I have suggested preventive measures
that can be taken as a parent, a teen and as a victim.

REFERENCES
1. http://www.nami.org/Content/ContentGroups/Helpline1/Teenage_Suicide.htm
accessed on 18/10/2014

2. http://psychcentral.com/lib/frequently-asked-questions-about-suicide/0001101/2
accessed on 22/10/2014

3. http://kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/behavior/suicide.html accessed on
09/10/2014

4. http://www.livestrong.com/article/130491-causes-teenage-suicide/ accessed on
24/10/2014