TY - JOUR
T1 - “It’s a lot of things”
T2 - Zimbabwean university students’ perceptions on the causes of suicide ideation and suicidality among youths during the COVID-19 pandemic
AU - White, Michael
AU - Hungwe, Chipo
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2024 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
PY - 2024
Y1 - 2024
N2 - This research studies university undergraduate students’ perceptions of the causes of suicide and suicidality among the youths in Zimbabwe with reference to the case of Midlands State University. The research also examined the contribution of COVID-19 to suicide and suicidality and the role of the family and church in suicide and suicidality causation or prevention. A qualitative methodology was used to collect data through semi-structured interviews, key informant interviews and a focus group discussion using a sample of 31 participants. Thomas Joiner’s Interpersonal theory of suicide is utilised and adapted to explain suicide ideation among Zimbabwean youths. Abusive, fractured family and romantic relationships, economic frustrations, stigmatisation, loneliness, drug abuse and the pressure to conform were some of the causes of suicide ideation. The research recommends increased regular mental health and suicide prevention awareness campaigns to inform the students on the available services. Supportive, stable and positive relationships and interactions within families and churches are necessary to build resilience against suicide ideation and suicidality.
AB - This research studies university undergraduate students’ perceptions of the causes of suicide and suicidality among the youths in Zimbabwe with reference to the case of Midlands State University. The research also examined the contribution of COVID-19 to suicide and suicidality and the role of the family and church in suicide and suicidality causation or prevention. A qualitative methodology was used to collect data through semi-structured interviews, key informant interviews and a focus group discussion using a sample of 31 participants. Thomas Joiner’s Interpersonal theory of suicide is utilised and adapted to explain suicide ideation among Zimbabwean youths. Abusive, fractured family and romantic relationships, economic frustrations, stigmatisation, loneliness, drug abuse and the pressure to conform were some of the causes of suicide ideation. The research recommends increased regular mental health and suicide prevention awareness campaigns to inform the students on the available services. Supportive, stable and positive relationships and interactions within families and churches are necessary to build resilience against suicide ideation and suicidality.
KW - COVID-19
KW - families
KW - suicidality
KW - suicide ideation
KW - youth
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85187105220&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1080/17450128.2024.2326422
DO - 10.1080/17450128.2024.2326422
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85187105220
SN - 1745-0128
JO - Vulnerable Children and Youth Studies
JF - Vulnerable Children and Youth Studies
ER -