Degree Name
MA (Master of Arts)
Program
Psychology
Date of Award
5-2005
Committee Chair or Co-Chairs
Jon B. Ellis
Committee Members
Christopher S. Dula, Peggy J. Cantrell
Abstract
Suicidal behaviors are common and problematic among young populations, and attitudes held towards such behavior likely impact the frequency of its occurrence. The present study was conducted to gain insight into the attitudes held towards suicide attempt victims amongst a traditional college population. Undergraduate students (n = 360) were administered a survey to assess demographics, suicide ideation levels, and perceptions formed after reading a short suicide attempt report. Results indicated that ideation levels had the most impact on perceptions, with ideators being significantly more likely than non-ideators to view suicide attempters as more intelligent, more justified in their actions, more likable, more trusting, and more likely to be a personal friend. These findings signify that acceptance of suicidal behavior is positively correlated with one’s own level of suicidal ideation. The understanding of these attitudes is an essential aspect to address when developing prevention programs for suicidal behaviors in the future.
Document Type
Thesis - unrestricted
Recommended Citation
Shearer, Kandi, "A Survey Examining the Attitudes in a College Population toward Suicide Attempters." (2005). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 1008. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/1008
Copyright
Copyright by the authors.