CONFLICTS WITHIN THE FAMILY AS CORRELATE OF SUICIDAL IDEATION AMONG STUDENTS IN PUBLIC SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN BENIN METROPOLIS

Abstract

The research investigated conflicts within the family as correlate of suicidal ideation among students in Public Senior Secondary Schools in Benin Metropolis. In order to guide the study, two research questions raised were answered. Two hypotheses generated at 0.05 alpha level. Research design method adopted was a correlational survey. Population consisted of three thousand eight hundred and fifty-three students in male only and female only Public Senior Secondary schools in Benin Metropolis. Sample drawn from the population comprised, three hundred and eighty-five students in SS2 classes; being a total of six schools, two per Local Government Area. Conflicts within the family as correlate of suicidal ideation scales (CFCSIS) was the instrument used. The reliability coefficient index of 0.86 for conflict scale and 0.81 for suicidal ideation confirmed the reliability of the instrument. Pearson r and multiple linear regression statistics, were used to analyse collected data. Findings showed that conflicts within the family correlates with suicidal ideation among Public Senior Secondary students in the Metropolis of Benin. Recommendations are, that massive public awareness and value re-orientation through workshops and seminars, on the dangers of habouring suicidal thoughts is made; including, the creation of functioning counselling centres and mental health clinics with well-trained counselling psychologists to help change attitudes towards negative happenings.