Relationship between Academic Stress and Suicidal Behaviours among Private University Undergraduates in Klang Valley

Ngooi, Jia Wen (2023) Relationship between Academic Stress and Suicidal Behaviours among Private University Undergraduates in Klang Valley. Relationship between Academic Stress and Suicidal Behaviours. (Unpublished)

Text Ngooi Jia Wen _Journal Manuscript.pdf Restricted to Registered users only Download (2MB)

Abstract

Over 700,000 people died from suicide, the fourth leading cause of death among those aged 15 to 29, rendering university students particularly vulnerable. Etiological theories connect life stress to suicidal behaviours. Notably, academic stress stood out among the various stressors affecting the mental health of university students. Thus, this study aimed to examine the level of suicidal behaviours and investigate the relationship between academic stress and suicidal behaviours among private university undergraduates in Klang Valley. A total of 134 undergraduates were collected using convenience sampling and completed the online survey composed of a demographic information sheet, the Yatt Suicide Attitude Scale (YSAS), and the Student Stress Inventory (SSI). The results showed that private university undergraduates in Klang Valley appear to be having suicidal behaviours. Besides, the results indicated a significant positive relationship in moderate strength between academic stress and suicidal behaviours among undergraduates (r(134) = .53, p < .01). This study may serve as a guide for educators and policymakers to develop new perspectives on providing specialised suicide prevention training for educators and increasing insurance coverage and reimbursement for people to have access to mental health services. Keywords: academic stress, suicidal behaviours, Malaysia, undergraduates, level of suicidal behaviour