Souls's Croassroads: Unravealling the Impact of Depression and Hopelessness on Suicidal Ideation Among University Student

Soul’s Crossroads: Unravelling the Impact of Depression and Hopelessness on Suicidal Ideation Among University Students

 

 

Authors :

Khansa Rafifa Firzana1, Ilma Halida Alkaf2, Tatu Zakiyatun Nufus3 

Psychology faculty of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, Indonesia

Abstract

Suicidal ideation cases are rising among college students. Depression and hopelessness are considered factors influencing the increase in suicides among university students. The phenomenon of suicide among university students is a complex problem that requires special attention from various parties. Omit, this study aims to determine the impact of depression and hopelessness on suicidal ideation among university students. This paper uses a literature review as its writing method. Results show that depression and hopelessness affect most college student's suicidal ideation. The results on the effects of sadness and hopelessness on suicidal ideation among university students help to explain the factors driving suicidal thoughts and behaviors in this demographic.

Keywords: depression, hopelessness, suicide, university students.

 

Introduction

This article is written based on a phenomenon that has recently occurred frequently, especially among students, namely suicide. The World Health Organization (WHO,2023) lists suicide as the world's fourth most common cause of death in 2019. As many as 703,000 people make suicide attempts each year. Suicidal ideation and suicidal behavior occur due to many factors, including family, religion, and psychology (INASP, 2022). Depression and despair are two psychological conditions that have been linked to suicidal thoughts (Nock et al., 2019).

When it comes to suicide ideation, attempts, and mortality among college students, depression and hopelessness are major risk factors. One cannot stress the importance of these mental health issues for students' overall well-being. This research set out to evaluate the clinical importance and degree of hopelessness and depression as risk factors for suicide thoughts, attempts, and deaths. The choice of this topic stems from the pressing need to address the mental health challenges faced by university students. The prevalence of depression and hopelessness among this demographic, coupled with their potential to lead to suicidal ideation, necessitates a deeper understanding of these factors. Although numerous studies have shown strong correlations between suicidal thoughts, depression, and hopelessness, to fully comprehend these risk factors, it is crucial to address the methodological limitations and inconsistencies that are common to many of the studies (Ribeiro, Huang, Fox, & Franklin, 2018). In conclusion, considering the significant effects on this population's well-being, research on the relationship between depression, despair, and suicidal thoughts in college students is imperative. By building upon existing research and addressing methodological constraints, this study aims to contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of how these risks impact the health of university students.

Depression can be used to predict suicidal thoughts, threats, attempts, and completion (Duarté, Lorenzo-Luaces, & Rosselló, 2012; Stewart et al., 2015; Tuisku et al., 2014). According to studies done in Surabaya by Islahiani Rufaidah (2017), suicidal thoughts and hopelessness are related to depression in early adulthood. Deko, Nelwati, and Feri's (2023) research indicates a p-value <0.05 (0.09 and 0.0018) substantial correlation between academic stress and suicidal ideation during depression. The results of research by Monika, Susanti, Ferdinan, Fransiskus, and Tina (2023) showed that respondents on average experienced depression with a score of 12.58, while suicidal ideation with a score of 5.05. A noteworthy association has been observed (p < 0.05) between suicidal thoughts and depression severity. Suicidal ideation is associated with depression in young adults. Based on the results of hypothesis testing conducted by Maulidya (2019), this study found that depression, hopelessness, loneliness, and patience have a significant influence of 43% on suicidal ideation.

Literature review

• Depression

According to Jaka Arya Pradana (2016), depression is also known as an invisible or unseen sickness, and it is a condition that is frequently unnoticed by the person experiencing it as well as by others around them. Persistent feelings of dullness, blandness, weakness, disappointment, and hopelessness fall under the category of depression (Oltmanns & Emery, 2013). In a book entitled Depression: A Psychological Review by Dr. Namora Lumongga, it is explained that according to Atkinson (1991), depression is a mood disorder characterized by excessive helplessness, lack of enthusiasm for life, and even suicide attempts.

• Hopelessness

Suicidal thoughts and attempts may be motivated by feelings of self-imposed burdens, extreme hopelessness, isolation or alienation from others, and purposelessness (Bagge, Lamis, Nadorff, & Osman, 2014; Chang et al., 2017a). (Davison, et al, 2013) A state of hopelessness is when a person is depressed and unable to think about the future, do something significant in their life, or empower themselves. Desperate people appear to be sluggish, rigid, stupid, and unwilling to participate in activities or events (Baran, 2015).

• Suicide Ideation

According to Stuart (in Aulia 2016), suicidal ideation is the thought of killing oneself, either by oneself or to others. The tendency to think of destroying or killing oneself intentionally is called suicide ideation, according to Mulyana, Christanti, and Mulya (2021). According to Davison et al. (2014), thoughts and wishes to end one's own life are referred to as suicide. These ideas and desires are frequently linked to feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, and despair that an individual may not want to express.

Methodology

This research is descriptive with a qualitative approach to describe the data. This research uses the literature study method, which focuses on collecting information on the topic or problem that is the subject of research by reading and studying journals or reference books, as well as the results of similar previous studies to build the A Psychological Review.

Result and finding

Examining crucial facets of mental health, the literature review concentrates on depression, hopelessness, and suicidal ideation. Depression, as highlighted by Jaka Arya 

Pradana (2016), is often characterized as an unseen affliction involving persistent feelings of dullness, blandness, weakness, disappointment, and hopelessness. Dr. Namora Lumongga's book "Depression: A Psychological Review," referencing Atkinson (1991), delineates depression as a mood disorder marked by excessive helplessness, a lack of enthusiasm for life, and even inclinations toward suicide. The exploration extends to hopelessness, proposing that individuals contemplating suicide may grapple with self-perceived burdens, severe hopelessness, loneliness, or a sense of disconnection (Bagge, Lamis, Nadorff, & Osman, 2014; Chang et al., 2017a). This state of hopelessness is portrayed as a circumstance where individuals, hindered by depression, encounter difficulty envisioning a meaningful future or participating in empowering activities (Davison et al., 2013; Baran, 2015).

Additionally, the literature delves into suicidal ideation, defining it as the contemplation of ending one's life, whether directed towards oneself or others (Stuart, in Aulia 2016). Mulyana, Christanti, and Mulya (2021) explore suicidal ideation, describing it as the inclination to intentionally cause harm or death to oneself. Davison et al. (2014) contribute by elucidating that thoughts and desires for suicide are intertwined with feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, and despair that may remain unarticulated. The results on the impact of sadness and despair on suicidal ideation in college students provide insight into the factors influencing suicidal thoughts and behaviors in this demographic. Suicidal thoughts and desires often stem from unarticulated feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, and despair. These emotional underpinnings, particularly those associated with depression and despair, can significantly influence the emergence of suicidal inclinations. It's crucial to recognize that suicide encompasses not only thoughts but also desires to end one's own life. These desires are often deeply intertwined with unexpressed emotions, making it essential to address these underlying emotional issues in suicide prevention efforts.

Conclusion

The study emphasizes the multifactorial nature of suicidal ideation and behavior, involving factors such as family, religion, and psychology (INASP, 2022), with specific attention to the role of psychological disorders like depression and hopelessness (Nock et al.,2019). As risk factors for suicide thoughts, attempts, and deaths among university students, the research seeks to evaluate the clinical importance and size of despair and hopelessness.

The research review emphasizes how depression and despair have a significant negative influence on students' well-being and how they are linked to suicidal thoughts, attempts, and completion. Numerous research works, such as those conducted by Islahiani Rufaidah (2017), Deko, Nelwati, and Feri (2023), and Monika et al. (2023), have repeatedly demonstrated the connection between suicidal thoughts, depression, and despair in young adults. Maulidya's (2019) research provides more evidence supporting the important role that suicide thoughts are influenced by despair, hopelessness, loneliness, and patience.

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