Suicidal Ideation in Relation to Depression and Social Support among College Students

Human suicidal behaviour has always been a source of dread and wonder to mankind. Suicide among youths' has emerged as a significant global public health problem and it is third leading cause of death. The present study is designed to examine the relationship of depression and social support with suicide ideation. Sample for the study consisted of 150 participants drawn from different colleges of Kurukshetra (Haryana). The participants were assessed with Scale for Suicide Ideation, Beck Depression Inventory and Social Support Questionnaire. The objectives of the study were (a) to examine the relationship of suicide ideation with depression and social support, and (b) to find out the predictors of suicide ideation. Results demonstrated that suicide ideation was positively associated with depression and negatively associated with social support. Multiple regression analysis found that social support satisfaction, a measure of social support and depression are the potent predictors for suicidal ideation.