COGNITIVE DISTORTIONS, DEPRESSION, AND SOCIAL SUPPORT AS PREDICTORS OF SUICIDE IDEATION AMONG IN-SCHOOL ADOLESCENTS IN MAKURDI

Abstract

This study investigated cognitive distortions, depression, social support and suicide ideation among in-school adolescents in Makurdi metropolis. The cross-sectional survey design was employed where 419 in-school adolescents from Trust Academy Makurdi consisting of 206 (49.2%) males and 213 (50.8%) females. Their ages ranged from 14 to 21 years with a mean age of 18.44 years old (SD = 5.61). Simple random sampling was used to draw samples for the study. Self-Debasing Cognitive Distortion Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation were used for data collection. The study found that there was a significant influence of cognitive distortion on suicide ideation among in-school adolescents in Makurdi. Secondly, there was a significant influence of depression on suicide ideation among in-school adolescents. Thirdly, there was a significant influence of social support on suicide ideation among in-school adolescents in Makurdi. Independently, all the dimensions (family, friends, and significant others) significantly predicted suicide ideation. Lastly, the study found that there was a significant joint influence of cognitive distortions, depression, and social support on suicide ideation among in-school adolescents in Makurdi. The researchers recommend that in-school adolescents should avoid the use of distorted and irrational patterns of thinking. Therefore, adolescents should imbibe hope and optimism rather than taking a pessimistic view of the world irrespective of the situation. Furthermore, parents, guardians, and other caregivers are encouraged to support adolescents emotionally and financially to ease their shared vicissitude and avert the ideation of suicide as an escape route.