Related Experiment Videos
Voicing Jordanian Adolescents' Suicide
Latefa Ali Dardas1, Malena M Price, Joyell Arscott
1Latefa Ali Dardas, PhD, PMHN, is Assistant Professor, The University of Jordan School of Nursing, and Vice President, The Psychological Sciences Association, Amman, Jordan. Malena M. Price, MScGH, is Doctoral Student, University of Miami, Florida. Joyell Arscott, PhD, RN, ACRN, is Postdoctoral Fellow, Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, Baltimore, Maryland. Ghada Shahrour, PhD, is Assistant Professor, Jordan University of Science and Technology School of Nursing, Irbid, Jordan. Sean Convoy, DNP, PMHNP-BC, is Assistant Professor and Lead Faculty Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program, Duke University School of Nursing, Durham, North Carolina.
This study explored Jordanian adolescents' views on suicide, identifying depression, anxiety, and family issues as key risks. Religiosity and family support emerged as protective factors against suicidal thoughts.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Adolescent Health
- Sociology
Background:
- Research on adolescent suicide in Arab countries is limited, often using only epidemiological methods.
- Existing studies do not fully capture the nuanced perceptions of suicide among adolescents in the region.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the perceptions, beliefs, and attitudes of Jordanian adolescents towards suicide.
- To identify specific risk and protective factors influencing suicidal ideation in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study utilizing 12 dual-moderator focus groups in public schools across three regions of Jordan.
- Inclusion of adolescent boys and girls (14-17 years) experiencing mild to moderate depressive symptoms.
- Relational and content analysis of data using NVivo software.
Main Results:
- Four key themes identified: perceived risk factors, protective factors, suicidal ideation types, and digital influences.
- Major risk factors included depression, anxiety, stigma, family issues, and life pressures.
- Protective factors comprised religiosity, positive family functioning, and future goals; passive suicidality linked to family reputation concerns; and active suicidality associated with online challenges like the Blue Whale Challenge.
Conclusions:
- Suicide is a complex issue requiring multifaceted interventions.
- Efforts should focus on mitigating modifiable risks, enhancing protective factors, addressing mental health conditions, and examining digital influences.
- Parental monitoring of online activities is crucial for adolescent well-being.