Attitudes toward Suicide among South African Secondary School Pupils

Abstract

This study investigated attitudes towards suicide among 622 Standard 9 (U.S. Grade 11) secondary school pupils chosen at random from schools throughout the Northern Province in South Africa. The pupils were 254 (41%) boys and 368 (59%) girls in the age range of 17 to 24 years, with a mean age of 19.3 yr. A questionnaire was administered to obtain data on attitudes and other measures. There were 31 (17%) parasuicidal boys and 34 (13%) girls. Major intentions or reasons to commit suicide mentioned were “failing to solve problems” and “mental illness.” Most frequent possible suicide methods were firearms, pills, or poison. Significant associations were found with having a friend or relative who committed suicide, parasuicide (oneself), depression, stress events, ethnicity, and attitudes towards suicide.