J Korean Acad Nurs.  2011 Aug;41(4):539-549. 10.4040/jkan.2011.41.4.539.

Attitudes of Adolescents toward Suicide: Q-Methodological Approach

• Choi MK
• Seo JM

• KMID: 1018339
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4040/jkan.2011.41.4.539

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to identify attitudes of adolescents toward suicide.
METHODS
Q-methodology which provides a method of analyzing the subjectivity of each item was used. Thirty middle and high school students classified 37 selected statements into a normal distribution using a 9 point scale. Collected data were analyzed using the Quanl PC Program.
RESULTS
Three types of attitudes toward suicide were identified. The first type (opposing suicide-moral minded) showed an attitude of opposing suicide and thinking that suicide is a sin. The second type (understanding-empathizing suicidal person) showed an attitude of understanding the situation of the adolescents who has suicidal ideation and empathizing with them. The third type (ambivalent attitude) showed an attitude of understanding the suicidal person but, at the same time, opposing suicide.
CONCLUSION
Results of the study indicate that different approaches to suicide prevention programs should be developed based on the three types of suicide attitudes among adolescents.

Keyword

Adolescent; Suicidal ideation; Suicide; Attitude

MeSH Terms

Adolescent
*Attitude to Death
Female
Humans
Interviews as Topic
Male
Mental Health
*Q-Sort
Questionnaires
Suicide/*prevention & control/psychology

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