Intrapersonal Experiences and Suicide Ideation of University Students: The Case of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana

Abstract

There have been rising global reported cases of suicidal behaviors in schools and universities. In this qualitative study, the authors sought to explore how self-directed thoughts and emotions of intrapersonal experience that come from school performance precipitate suicide ideation among university students. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to solicit self-reported information on self-directed thoughts and emotions of intrapersonal experience among 40 students from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi-Ghana. Two counselors from the Guidance and Counseling unit of the same institution were also interviewed. Theoretically, the paper employed Weiner’s motivational theory. This study used a six-phase thematic analysis. The study noted that intrapersonal experiences of self-directed thoughts, particularly unachieved expectancy of success and self-directed emotions of pride, guilt, and shame emanated from poor academic performance. From the data, the authors discovered that prayer, institutional support, for instance, the Guidance and Counseling Unit of KNUST and off-campus extracurricular activities mediated in curtailing or reducing the burden of suicide ideation with the eventual act of suicide. In conclusion, this paper has established that intrapersonal experience is complementary to the interpersonal experience of university students in the study of suicide ideation to holistically comprehend the internal and external factors that generate suicide ideation. This study recommends that the judicial system of Ghana should rethink decriminalizing suicide and attempted suicide if students are to acknowledge their state of suicide ideation for the necessary intervention. Keywords – Intrapersonal experience, suicide ideation, university students, Ghana, academic performance