Influence of Sexual Abuse and Suicidal Intention on the Mental Wellbeing of Final Year Students in Benue State University, Makurdi
CHAPTER ONE
Objective of the study
The objectives of the study are;
- To examine the relationship between sexual abuse and suicidal intention of final year student of Benue state university
- To ascertain the causes of sexual abuse in Benue state University
- To ascertain the level of sexual abuse in Benue state University
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
INTRODUCTION
Our focus in this chapter is to critically examine relevant literature that would assist in explaining the research problem and furthermore recognize the efforts of scholars who had previously contributed immensely to similar research. The chapter intends to deepen the understanding of the study and close the perceived gaps.
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
Sexual abuse:
Sexual abuse is defined as when any person commits any of the following acts. Unless otherwise specified, a child is defined as someone under the age of 18. It’s a pretty long definition. Take a few moments to read it and then we will break it down to examine the different parts. The various phrases included in the definition have very specific meanings.
Sexual intercourse or sexual contact
o with a child 15 years of age or younger (consent is not a consideration)
o with a child 16 or 17 years old, when he or she does not consent
o with a child by the child’s foster parent (consent is not a consideration) o with a child placed in substitute care, by a person who works at, or volunteers at or has a responsibility to manage the facility where the child is placed (consent is not a consideration)
o with a child who receives direct care or treatment services from certain organizations or facilities (child welfare agency, shelter care, child care center, etc.), by an employee, licensee or non-client resident of the organization or facility (consent is not a consideration)
Suicidal intention:
Suicidal ideation (or suicidal thoughts) means having thoughts, ideas, or ruminations about the possibility of ending one’s life.[1] It is not a diagnosis, but is a symptom of some mental disorders and can also occur in response to adverse events without the presence of a mental disorder.
On suicide risk scales, the range of suicidal ideation varies from fleeting thoughts to detailed planning. Passive suicidal ideation is thinking about not wanting to live or imagining being dead.[3][4] Active suicidal ideation is thinking about different ways to die or forming a plan to die.
Most people who have suicidal thoughts do not go on to make suicide attempts, but suicidal thoughts are considered a risk factor. During 2008–09, an estimated 8.3 million adults aged 18 and over in the United States, or 3.7% of the adult U.S. population, reported having suicidal thoughts in the previous year. An estimated 2.2 million in the U.S. reported having made suicide plans in 2014. Suicidal thoughts are also common among teenagers.
Suicidal ideation is generally associated with depression and other mood disorders; however, it seems to have associations with many other mental disorders, life events, and family events, all of which may increase the risk of suicidal ideation. Mental health researchers indicate that healthcare systems should provide treatment for individuals with suicidal ideation, regardless of diagnosis, because of the risk for suicidal acts and repeated problems associated with suicidal thoughts. There are a number of treatment options for people who experience suicidal ideation.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we described the research procedure for this study. A research methodology is a research process adopted or employed to systematically and scientifically present the results of a study to the research audience viz. a vis, the study beneficiaries.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research designs are perceived to be an overall strategy adopted by the researcher whereby different components of the study are integrated in a logical manner to effectively address a research problem. In this study, the researcher employed the survey research design. This is due to the nature of the study whereby the opinion and views of people are sampled. According to Singleton & Straits, (2009), Survey research can use quantitative research strategies (e.g., using questionnaires with numerically rated items), qualitative research strategies (e.g., using open-ended questions), or both strategies (i.e., mixed methods). As it is often used to describe and explore human behaviour, surveys are therefore frequently used in social and psychological research.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the analysis of data derived through the questionnaire and key informant interview administered on the respondents in the study area. The analysis and interpretation were derived from the findings of the study. The data analysis depicts the simple frequency and percentage of the respondents as well as interpretation of the information gathered. A total of eighty (80) questionnaires were administered to respondents of which only seventy-seven (77) were returned and validated. This was due to irregular, incomplete and inappropriate responses to some questionnaire. For this study a total of 77 was validated for the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain influence of sexual abuse and suicidal intention on the mental wellbeing of final year students in Benue state university
In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing the challenges of sexual abuse and suicidal intention on the mental wellbeing of final year students in Benue state university
Summary
This study was on influence of sexual abuse and suicidal intention on the mental wellbeing of final year students in Benue state university. three objectives were raised which included: To examine the relationship between sexual abuse and suicidal intention of final year student of Benue state university, to ascertain the causes of sexual abuse in Benue state University and to ascertain the level of sexual abuse in Benue state University. The study adopted a survey research design and conveniently enrolled 80 participants in the study. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from SMEs in Nasarawa state. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Conclusion
Our analyses reveal that, among depressed individuals, the earlier the age at onset of sexual abuse, the greater suicidal intent reported for suicide attempts. This suggests that age of onset of abuse should be considered along with the type and severity of the abuse when studying the risk for suicidal behavior in abused populations
Recommendation
Government should implement live imprisonment or death sentence to those abusing others sexually
References
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