Correlation Between Alienation and Depression, Suicidal Ideation and Delinquency in High School Students

Lee, Eun Ju; Lee, Eun Sook

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the level of alienation, depression, suicidal ideation and delinquency in high school students and to explore the relationships between the variables. The respondents, 226 students attending a high school located in Chonnam province made up the convenience sample. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire which included the alienation scale, suicidal ideation scale, BDI, and delinquency scale. Data collection was done between June 20 and July 6, 2001. Data were analyzed with the SAS program and included descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA and Pearson's correlation coefficients. There were no significant association between alienation and general characteristics of the students. The scores for depression were significantly higher in female students, in students who had recently dropped in their school ranking compared to students who had improved. The scores of suicidal ideation were significantly higher in male students. Also, the scores of delinquency were significantly higher in male students, and students in the high economic class and those with low school rankings. There were significant positive correlations between alienation and other; alienation and depression (r=.432, p=.000), alienation and suicidal ideation (r=.267, p=.000), and alienation and delinquency (r=.150, p=.024). Findings from this study suggest that subsequent practical study in consideration of Korean sociocultural background is needed to identify the cause of alienation and develop supportive strategies to maintain mental health in high school students. Also, study on alienation of students should be based on family, community and popular culture in combination with improvements in school environment.