Main Article Content
Secondary school learners\' essays on suicide prevention
Abstract
Objectives: Considering the extent of the problem of suicidal behaviour among young people, the need for prevention programmes is paramount. The KwaZulu-Natal based ‘Love to Live' campaign is a programme aimed at the prevention of suicidal behaviour among children and adolescents.
Methods: The present study is an analysis of 63 essays written by secondary school learners on the subject of suicide prevention.
Results: Just over two-thirds of the essays revealed reasonable knowledge without serious inaccuracies, with over half the sample citing conflict with parents as precipitants to suicidal behaviour. Over one-third of the essays blamed suicidal persons for being ineffective in dealing with their life problems, and over one-third identified mental health workers and parents as sources of help.
Conclusions: The results are discussed in terms of adolescents' views of suicidal behaviour, as well as within the context of the limitations of the study methodology.
Journal of Child and Adolescent Mental Health 2007, 19(2): 131–136
Methods: The present study is an analysis of 63 essays written by secondary school learners on the subject of suicide prevention.
Results: Just over two-thirds of the essays revealed reasonable knowledge without serious inaccuracies, with over half the sample citing conflict with parents as precipitants to suicidal behaviour. Over one-third of the essays blamed suicidal persons for being ineffective in dealing with their life problems, and over one-third identified mental health workers and parents as sources of help.
Conclusions: The results are discussed in terms of adolescents' views of suicidal behaviour, as well as within the context of the limitations of the study methodology.
Journal of Child and Adolescent Mental Health 2007, 19(2): 131–136
