Relationship Between Suicide Ideation, Hopelessnes and Depression Among Adolescents

Suicide Ideation refers to an individual's thoughts about ending his/her own life and carrying outrelated suicidal behavior. Given the myriad psychological and physical changes that occur during adolescence, this age is most sensitive for developing such negative cognitions. Depression and Hopelessness are identified as the major risk factors for developing suicide ideation. The current study was conducted in order to explore the relationship between Suicide Ideation, Hopelessness and Depression. Data were collected from 200 adolescents in the age group 16-19 years(Mage=18.8 years). Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (Beck & Steer, 1991), Beck Hopelessness Scale (Beck & Steer, 1993)and Beck Depression Inventory (Beck, Ward, Mendelson, Mock & Erbaugh, 1961) were used to measure between Suicide Ideation, Hopelessness and Depression respectively. Correlation analysis was used to study the relationship among the three constructs. All the three variables were found to be significantly positively correlated (p < 0.01). The partial correlation between Suicide Ideation and Hopelessness after controlling for Depression was also significant (p < 0.01). Significant difference was found between the two correlations. The obtained resultsare discussedalong with empirical evidence.