Relationship between Stress and Suicidal Attitude among University Students during the Covid-19 Outbreak

Phuah, Hoe Yung and Low, Chee Seong (2023) Relationship between Stress and Suicidal Attitude among University Students during the Covid-19 Outbreak. Stress and Suicidal Attitude during the Covid-19 Outbreak. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) reported that there was a drastic increase in the number of suicides attempted in Malaysia during the Covid-19 outbreak, reporting more than 400 suicides in the first five months of 2021. This cross-sectional study was undertaken to examine the relationship between stress, suicidal ideation and suicidal attempt, and the gender difference in suicidal ideation during the Covid-19 outbreak. Participants consisted of 230 university students from universities across the district of Klang Valley, Malaysia. Participants completed a survey consisted of Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Yatt Suicide Attitude Scale (YSAS). Results revealed that there was a significant positive relationship between stress, suicidal ideation and suicidal attempt. Independent Sample T-test suggested that female tend to record higher suicidal ideation compared to male during the Covid-19 outbreak, a significant figure. Findings may be beneficial to all higher learning institutions in taking initiatives to implement different strategies to help students cope with stress to prevent suicidal attitude during a crisis. Strategies for coping with stress and prevention of suicide ought to be focused on both males and females instead of prioritising either gender.