CHAPTER I

Introduction

Suicide is an act of killing themselves by their own hands or for an instance, taking

one's own life voluntarily. On the other hand, Wikipedia defines suicide as an act of

intentionally causing one's own death. Many individuals committed suicide especially the

youth of today or simply known as teenagers. In this generation, also known as the

millennial, the number of suicide cases is increasing as the years go by. Youth are the top

individuals that are easily triggered by their emotions, main reason why there are lots of

suicide cases among them. Millennial people nowadays are selfish. They don’t even

bother as to what will happen to the people around them when they decide to commit

suicide. They are different from the youth back then.

Background of the Study

In ancient Greece, suicide was generally regarded as not wrong itself, but there had

to be a justification for it. Suicide is acceptable if and only if an individual’s illness is not

curable anymore. In ancient Rome, there was no prohibition of suicide for individuals.

However, slaves and soldiers can’t commit suicide even though they really want to end

their lives. Even in the Bible, there was a number of eight suicidal situations mentioned

in the book. In the middle ages, the phenomenon was often regarded as the result of

MGS&KDCB 1
diabolical temptation. Attitudes towards suicide began to change slowly during the

renaissance, many religions showed and still people think that suicide is diabolical. In

19th century, they says that individual was only insane at the actual moment of

suicide. And since 1930 up to the present, there have been thousands of research studies

and books about suicide.

Youth will not commit suicide just because, there should be a reason why they

committed suicide. Here are some factors that can be a cause why they choose to commit

suicide, it includes mental disorders such as depression, bipolar

disorder, schizophrenia, personality disorders, and substance abuse,

including alcoholism and use of benzodiazepines.

Other suicides are impulsive acts due to stress from financial difficulties, troubles

with relationships, or from bullying. But among these, I can say that stress is the most

acceptable reason. Some are about family, a parent-child broken relationship or parents

broken relationship. Some are about their studies, because they have to pass their exams

and performance tasks because of their want for good grades. Even honorable students

get stressed especially if their parents expects a lot from them. Some, on the other hand,

are about financial worries, their life is as hard as passing through the hole of a needle,

like what a saying states. That’s why they just want to end their lives as to end their

struggling too.

Suicidal cases can affect many individuals especially their relatives. Their families

will also feel extremes guilt for not even knowing their loved ones wanted to commit

suicide, they most probably will feel like a failure because a person they loved felt

MGS&KDCB 2
unloved to the point that they cannot take it anymore, anger and resentment, they’ll feel

confused and miserable for their questions are left unanswered like why their loved ones

committed suicide. Lastly, they will experience the feeling of being distressed over

unresolved issues.

Researchers declared suicide as the second leading cause of death for ages 10-24.

Suicide declared as well as the second leading cause of death for college-age youth and

ages 12-18. More teenagers and young adults die from suicide compared to AIDS, cancer,

heart disease, diabetes, tuberculosis, Alzheimer’s etc. And even if you add the

percentage of the deceased living things of the latter diseases, it wont be enough to reach

the high percentage of those who died from suicide. For the past 15 years, the total suicide

rate has increased a percentage of 24% from 10.5 to 13.0 per 100,000.

While the rate of males committing suicide is four times larger than the rate of females

committing suicide. According to World Health Organization the approximate number of

suicides per year is one million which is also represents a rate of 16 people per 100,000 or

simply one death every 40 seconds. Researcher predicted that in the year 2020, it will be

one death in every 20 seconds.

Here are some famous historical suicides namely: Boudicca, Brutus, Mark Antony,

Cleopatra VII of Egypt, Judas Iscariot, Hannibal, Nero, Virginia Woolf, Sadeq Hedayat, ,

Adolf Hitler, Ernest Hemingway, Sylvia Plath, Marina Tsvetaeva, Yukio Mishima,

Hunter S. Thompson, Kurt Cobain, Ludwig Boltzmann, Ian Curtis, Vincent van Gogh,

Robin Williams

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Conceptual Framework

Figure 1

 The demographic profile of the  Distribution and

respondents in terms of: retrieval of
Questionnaires
 Name
 Age
 Presentation, Analysis,
 Gender and Interpretation of
data
 Grade Level

 Respondent’s level of Suicidal  The result of

Thoughts along with the demographic profile
following factors: and factors of Suicidal
Thoughts
 Family
 School
 Community

 Respondent’s level on how to  Strategic approach can

prevent Suicidal cases along
with the following factors: be recommended to all

 Family individuals to lessen the

 School suicidal cases.
 Community


FEEDBACK

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Theoretical Framework

This study is anchored on the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide developed by Thomas

Joiner and is outlined in Why People Die on Suicide. The Interpersonal Theory of

Suicide implies why individuals attempt to take their lives by themselves and the risk

why individuals commit suicide. This theory composed of three components combined

that lead youth to walk on a suicidal path.

According to the theory, the reason why individuals produce the desire for suicide is

because of the simultaneous presence of thwarted belongingness and

perceived burdensomeness. While the desire for suicide is necessary, it alone will not

result in death by suicide. Rather, Joiner asserts that one must also have acquired

capability (that is, the acquired ability to overcome one's natural fear of death).

There are many theories of suicide that integrate established risk factors and this risk

factor’s number have been linked to suicidal behavior. Unfortunately, only few

individuals can explained the phenomena associated by suicidal behavior as well as the

Interpersonal Theory of Suicide does. One of the strength of this theory, lies in its ability

to be tested empirically.

Allows for fallibility to constructed in a way. The number of studies of some

researcher help them and have found at least partial support for the interpersonal theory

of suicide. Specifically, a systematic review of 66 studies using the interpersonal theory

of suicide found that the effect of perceived burdensome on suicide ideas was the most

tested and supported relationship. The theory’s other predictions, particularly in terms of

critical interaction effects, are less strongly supported.

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 Suicidal is a one of the hardest problem to solve in our world but the bigger it’s

problem the lesser individuals care about it. Suicidal is a serious problem, until now there

is no specific answer on how to resolve it. This relative lack of empirical attention may

be due in part to a relative absence of theory development regarding suicidal behavior.

As Joiner stated, the reason why individuals committed suicide is because of

thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness. Thwarted belongingnesss and

perceived burdensomeness are distinct, but related constructs and that they can be

reliably measured. Further, multiple group analyses were consistent with in variance for

younger vs. older adults and non-clinical versus clinical populations thereby supporting

the relevance of these constructs to diverse populations. Finally, both constructs

demonstrated convergent associations with related interpersonal constructs—including

loneliness and social support for belongingness and social worth and death idea for

burdensomeness—as well as prospective associations with suicidal idea.

Research Paradigm

The input variables are consist of demographic profile which includes the (1)

Name, (2) Age, (3) Gender and (4) Grade level. Also, it includes the respondent’s

level of suicidal thoughts along with the following factors, namely; Family, School,

and Community Factors. As shown on the second box, it includes the process of the

study. It consists of (1) distribution and retrieval of questionnaires, (2) presentation,

analysis, and interpretation of data, and (3) the result of demographic profile and

factors of suicidal thoughts. The survey will be conducted among the students from

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 the Grade Seven level up to Grade Ten level. On the third box, through the analysis

of data and stated processes, the researcher will be able to determine the respondents

level of suicidal thoughts. Also the outcome data will help the researcher in the

intervention program that can aid to minimize the youth’s suicidal thoughts.

Statement of the Problem

This study seeks to determine the factors that lead the youth to walk on a suicidal

path and how to prevent it as perceived by the thoughts of the students in Liceo de San

Pablo A.Y 2017-2018. The result of this study can be used by communities in reducing

the number of suicidal cases and to lessen the decreasing population of the community.

Specifically, this sought to answer the following problems.

1. What is the demographic profile of the students in terms of;

1.1 Age?

1.2 Gender?

1.3 Grade Level?

2. What is the level of the causes of Suicidal Thoughts of the respondents along with;

2.1 Family Factor

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 2.2 School Factor

2.3 Community Factor

3. Do you think the level of suicidal thoughts are high?

4. What strategic approach can be recommended to the all individuals to lessen the

suicidal cases?

Hypothesis of the study

The study used the alternative-form (Ha) stated as follows:

Ha : If the respondent’s level of Suicidal Thoughts is high, and it affects the population of

the community.

Significance of the study

This study that regards on youth’s suicidal thoughts is constructed to be beneficial to

the following individuals or group:

Students. This will make them aware of the Suicidal Thought intervention program that

will help them realize the value of their lives and continue living.

Parents. This will provide them to care more and to be always on their children’s side.

MGS&KDCB 8
Teachers. Through this study, the researcher hope that the teachers will encourage youth

and ignore students whenever they ask for advice. So in return students will not think to

commit suicide because there will always be a teacher who will be by their side.

Community. This will help the community to lessen the number of suicidal cases and

also not to lessen the population of the people in the community.

Scopes and Limitations of the study

This study focused on determining the respondent’s level of Suicidal Thoughts of the

students. The study also focused the respondent’s level of Suicidal Thoughts is high, then

it affects the population of the community. The study aim to recommend strategic

approach to the family, friends, and people surrounds the youth to avoid their Suicidal

Thoughts.

This research is limited among the students of Liceo de San Pablo from Grade Seven

level up to Grade 10 level, who were totally enumerated and were currently enrolled in

the school year 2017-2018 by the time the researcher conducted a study.

Definition of Terms

The researcher provides the following terms which are defined operationally for

better understanding.

Suicidal – deeply unhappy or depressed and likely to commit suicide.

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Suicidal Thought – also known as suicidal ideation, are thoughts about how to kill

oneself, which can range from a detailed plan to a fleeting consideration and does not

include the final act of killing oneself. The majority of people who experience suicidal

ideation do not carry it through.

Millenial – a person reaching young adulthood in the early 21st century.

Family Factor – affecting child development. In a large, geographically. defined

population of children a number of family factors in addition to social class, determined

by the father's occupation, were recorded by health visitors and school. nurses with

routine responsibility for these children

Intervention Program – described as a program designed to produce changed to

improve once individual learning.

Strategic Approach – it is defined as assesses the extent to which work or life intiatives

facilitate the individual’s ability to make progress.

World Health Organization – is a specialized agency of the United Nations that is

concerned with international public health. It was established on 7 April 1948

headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. The WHO is a member of the United Nations

Development Group. Its predecessor, the Health Organization, was an agency of

the League of Nations.

Intrapersonal Theory of Suicide – a theory that attempts to explain why individuals

engage in suicidal behavior and to identify individuals who are at risk.

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Thwarted Belonginess – the INQ measures beliefs about the extent to which individuals

believe their need to belong is met or unmet

Percieved Burdensomeness – the extent to which they perceive themselves to be a

burden on the people in their lives.

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 CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE, STUDIES, AND LEGAL BASES

This chapter presents the review of related literature, studies, and legal bases from

both local and foreign references. The references were anchored from books, journal,

internet, websites and other sources that were found to have connection or relation on the

present study.

Related Literature (Foreign)

The Complete Manual of Suicide (完全自殺マニュアル Kanzen Jisatsu Manyuaru,

lit. Complete Suicide Manual) is a Japanese book written by Wataru Tsurumi. He wrote

on the problem of "hardness of living" in Japanese society. It was first published on July

4, 1993 and sold more than one million copies. In the postscript Manyuaru says: ”To

think that at the worst crucial moment one can escape from the pain by committing

suicide, one can live for the moment easier. So by distributing this book, I want to make

this stifling society an easier place to live in. This is the aim of this book. And I never

intend to encourage readers to commit suicide.” Although this book is a manual, the

author explains his philosophy throughout, and opposes to the social pressure to live

strong. And in every suicide method, he rates different aspects of suicide such as

painfulness, gruesomeness of the body, probability of failure and costs in event of failure,

MGS&KDCB 12
and so on. The fact that one can easily identify the least painful and easiest method of

suicide was controversial at the time of the publication. Since the book was intended to

be a manual, the author did not spend too much space on discussing the reasons and

philosophy behind suicide. Although he does rhetorically pose the question "Why must

one live?" Wataru simply lays out the methods of suicide one by one and then analyzes

each of them in detail. This 198 page book provides explicit descriptions and analysis on

a wide range of suicide methods such as overdosing, hanging, jumping, and carbon

monoxide poisoning.

The book provides matter-of-fact assessment of each method in terms of the pain it

causes, effort of preparation required, the appearance of the body and lethality. He covers

11 categories of suicide methods (Overdosing, Hanging, Self-defenestration, Slashing the

wrist and carotid artery, Car collision, Gas poisoning, Electrocution, Drowning,

Self-immolation, Freezing, Miscellaneous). Each chapter begins with a graph assessing

the method in question in terms of: the pain it causes, effort of preparation required, the

appearance of the body, the disturbance it may cause for others and its deadliness. Each

of these matters is also rated by skulls, with 5 skulls indicating the highest rating. This is

what is described in the gassing chapter: “It’s a lot of work as you have to bring in the

exhaust hose opening and seal up the room, but it also is a painless suicide scheme and

the body stays visually clean afterwards.”

As you can imagine, this wasn’t the best publicity for Japan—a country that is

pigeonholed as having a long-held suicide epidemic. Tsurumi’s career was over, even if

the guide sold around one million copies in Japan. The entire book was allegedly never

translated into English. And the author was actually blamed for Japan’s high suicide rates

MGS&KDCB 13
shortly thereafter. In the book, he recommends the Aokigahara forest as a good spot to

die. In recent years, the forest has become a popular destination for those seeking to end

their life. Interestingly, while Japan’s suicide rate is relatively high in comparison to

other nations, the country’s suicide rate has actually been on a rapid decline since the

1950s. Some people superficially suggested that Japan’s unusually high suicide rate was

a result of a sort of leftover Samurai honor code. Tsurumi, however, takes a more

philosophical approach to the subject. He writes that the monotony of modern life is

meaningless. And if you think this way, you’re not an evil person. The alleged prologue

of the book reads as a nihilistic, realistic, and deeply reflective doctrine on the nature of

life and death.

He wrote, “It’s useless to say ‘[life] is dull and boring.’ We are all unlucky. We were

born on this stage of past events. We will wake at 7 AM, either going to work or going to

school afterwards. We will repeat the pointless speeches. At work, we keep saying

senseless things while we keep on working over different senseless projects, for a few

weeks, a few months or a few years. New inventions will be introduced at a slow pace.

The slow-paced politician will keep on accepting bribes. The TV programs keeps on

bringing excitement to its audience at a slow pace. After we switch off the TV, it will be

just another ordinary day. Yukio Mishima once wrote the lines, ‘ordinary life is even

more horrible than a war,’ in his autobiography Confession d’un masque. We tolerated

the nervousness caused by the terrifying ordinary life, in return for the ridiculous ‘calm

and bright future.’ We have to be careful throughout our life, trying in vain to avoid any

mistakes. There’s no happy ending like the ones in the comedies.

MGS&KDCB 14
 This is the first element leading to suicide.” And while the author holds a very bleak

view about modern life, his goal is not to convince people to commit suicide. Instead,

Tsurumi wants to open the dialogue about death—he hopes that we won’t view suicide

victims in such a negative and shameful light. Life isn’t always butterflies and unicorns.

Rather, it can be dark and depressing (just like his book). And he hopes his writings will

resonate with people who are going through a dark period in their lives. “The truth is,

I’ve wanted my readers to live,” he told the AFP.

Related Literature (Local)

A comprehensive search for published papers on suicide in the Philippines was

carried out using Medline and local online research databases (the Philippine e-Library,

the DOH e-Library and HERDIN) for the years 1960 to 2010. The following terms were

used for the database searches: suicide (covers suicidal), self (covers

self-harm/self-poisoning), overdose, poison, poisoning, pesticide, insecticide, rodenticide,

paraquat, organophosphate, organophosphorus, agrochemical. As pesticide self-poisoning

and overdose of medicines are reported as the most commonly used suicide methods in

the Western Pacific Region, poisoning terms were added in the keywords.

This search was supplemented by searches using the Philippine Index Medicus, the

WHO catalogues, databases of the University of the Philippines Manila and Diliman and

the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and Google. Additional papers were identified

from the list of references of the obtained articles, monographs and theses. Papers were in

English as this is the language used for scientific publications in the Philippines. A total

MGS&KDCB 15
of 92 papers, theses and monographs were identified through the searches. Of these, 20

were not relevant, 4 could not be traced and 68 were retrieved. Only one paper on suicide

deaths was identified as an anthropological study in an indigenous population. Only four

studies focused on attempted suicide, one from an urban area (n = 113) and three from

areas transitioning from peri-urban to urban at the time of the study (n = 55-130).

To supplement the limited information on suicides available from national statistics

(e.g. no information on method of suicide), newspaper reports of suicides were reviewed.

This approach has been used previously in countries where suicide is stigmatized and

underreported, and where sources of suicide information are limited. In the Philippines,

news reports may provide information on the suicide such as the method used - this is not

reported in the national mortality statistics.

These articles were written by reporters covering police stations and were based on

police reports. Using the Philippine e-library database, magazine and newspaper articles

(mostly from nationally circulated publications) on suicides and self-harm from 1986 to

2010 were searched. A total of 122 were identified, 6 could not be traced and 116 were

retrieved. Suicide Rates and Trends.

Age-standardized suicide rates for males and females from 1974 to 2005 are shown

in Figure Figure1;1; male rates were consistently higher than female rates, with the male

to female ratio steadily increasing from the mid-80s (from 1.96:1 to 3.31:1 between 1984

and 2005). There was a decrease in the incidence of suicide in the 1970s and early 1980s,

but since then rates have been steadily increasing in both sexes; rates rose from 0.23 to

3.59 per 100,000 between 1984 and 2005 in males and from 0.12 to 1.09 per 100,000 in

MGS&KDCB 16
females. Trends in age-standardized rates of suicide for males and females (3-year

moving averages, centred on the last year in the 3-year period), Philippines, 1974-2005.

Amongst males, rates in all four age groups increased from 1984 onwards (Figure

(Figure2);2); for most of the period rates were highest in men aged 15-24 or 65 and above,

but there was little difference between age groups. In females, rates in the 15-24 year olds

were 50-100% higher than in the other age groups throughout the study period. The peak

in rates in the mid-1990s was seen in all age groups and this was most pronounced in

15-24 year olds.

Related Studies (Local)

Suicide prevention is given a low priority in many Western Pacific countries due to

competing health problems, stigma and poor understanding of its incidence and aetiology.

Little is known about the epidemiology of suicide and suicidal behaviour in the

Philippines and although its incidence is reported to be low, there is likely to be

under-reporting because of its non-acceptance by the Catholic Church and the associated

stigma to the family. This study aims to investigate trends in the incidence of suicide in

the Philippines, assess possible underreporting and provide information on the methods

used and the reasons for suicide. Data for suicide deaths occurring between 1974 and

2005 were obtained from Philippine Health Statistics. Age- and sex-specific trends were

examined graphically. Underreporting was investigated by comparing trends in suicides,

accidents and deaths of undetermined intent.

MGS&KDCB 17
 To provide a fuller picture of suicide in the Philippines, a comprehensive search for

published papers, theses and reports on the epidemiology of suicide in the Philippines

was undertaken. The incidence of suicide in males increased from 0.23 to 3.59 per

100,000 between 1984 and 2005. Similarly, rates rose from 0.12 to 1.09 per 100,000 in

females. Amongst females, suicide rates were highest in 15-24 year olds, whilst in males

rates were similar in all age groups throughout the study period.

The most commonly used methods of suicide were hanging, shooting and

organophosphate ingestion. In non-fatal attempts, the most common methods used were

ingestion of drugs, specifically isoniazid and paracetamol, or organophosphate ingestion.

Family and relationship problems were the most common precipitants. While rates were

lower compared to other countries, there is suggestive evidence of underreporting and

misclassification to undetermined injury.

Recent increases may reflect either true increase or better reporting of suicides.

While suicide rates are low in the Philippines, increases in incidence and relatively high

rates in adolescents and young adults point to the importance of focused suicide

prevention programs. Improving data quality and better reporting of suicide deaths is

likewise imperative to inform and evaluate prevention strategies. Suicide is a major

contributor to premature mortality worldwide and is among the leading causes of death in

the Western Pacific Region. Approximately 32% of the world's suicides occur in the

region, and its annual incidence of 19.3 per 100,000 is 30% higher than the global

average. While acknowledged as an important and neglected health issue, it remains a

low priority in most Western Pacific countries due to competing health problems, stigma

and poor understanding of the condition.

MGS&KDCB 18
 The Philippines, with a population of approximately 90 million, is one of the most

populous countries in the Western Pacific, yet very little is known about the

epidemiology of suicide and suicidal behaviour in the country. The only predominantly

Catholic country in Asia, it is an archipelago of 7,106 islands, with 66% of the population

living in urban areas. Around 33% of the population are impoverished, in spite of

reported economic growth in recent years. Official suicide rates are lower in the

Philippines than in many other countries in the Western Pacific region, although there is

likely to be under-reporting because of its non-acceptance by the Catholic church and the

associated disgrace and stigma to the family. As in other Catholic countries, a high

proportion of suicide deaths are likely to be misclassified as injury of undetermined intent

or accidents.

A systematic analysis of the possible underreporting of suicides is important so it’s

true incidence and trends can be estimated. To date, no studies of national trends in the

incidence of suicide or the national epidemiology of suicidal behavior have been

undertaken using Philippine mortality data. Such an analysis is important both to provide

a more complete picture of the size of the problem and to facilitate better informed

decisions concerning priorities for prevention such as high risk age/sex groups and

popular suicide methods that are potentially amenable to method-restriction policies.

Data on deaths from suicide, accidental poisoning, other accidents, and injury of

undetermined intent occurring between 1974-2005 were obtained from the Philippine

Health Statistics (PHS) produced by the Department of Health (DOH).

Data for the Health Statistics were provided by the National Statistics Office (NSO),

which is mandated by the Civil Registry Law (Republic Act No. 3753) to register all vital

MGS&KDCB 19
events in the country. In the Philippines, all deaths must be certified by the physician

who last attended the deceased. For deaths occurring outside hospital, certification by the

health officer is based on the symptoms prior to death and circumstances of the death as

reported by the relatives or friends of the deceased. Each vital event is registered in the

Local Civil Registrar Offices (LCRO), each serving a population of 25,000 for

municipalities and 150,000 for cities. The LCRO sends a copy of each death certificate to

the Office of the Civil Registrar General of the NSO for processing and archiving. The

NSO provides the DOH with summary tables of the numbers of deaths and population

estimates by cause, age and sex. While data are available for earlier years, it is only after

1974 that the collection of mortality statistics was centralized to the National Statistics

Office. This year was therefore chosen as the starting year for the analysis.

Codes used by the National Statistics Office to classify suicides and injuries follow

the International Classification of Diseases (ICD). Codes used for the classification of

cause of death as suicide, accidental poisoning, other accidents and undetermined injury.

Age-standardized rates were computed using the WHO world standard population. To

smooth the annual rates, three year moving averages, centered on the last year of the each

3-year period, were computed, so all graphs begin in 1976. Age-specific rates for

five-year periods were also computed. Possible underreporting was investigated by

comparing trends in suicides with deaths due to accidents and deaths of undetermined

intent. Similarities in trends across different cause of death categories or increases in the

incidence of one cause of death accompanied by a reciprocal decline in another were used

as indirect evidence of under-reporting.

MGS&KDCB 20
 This related studies of several people (Levi, F; La Vecchia, C; Lucchini, F; Negri, E;

Saxena, S; Maulik, P. K.; Saraceno, talks about the rate of people in the Philippines who

commited suicide based on different aspects.

Related Legal Bases (Foreign)

Suicide is defined as the act of intentionally ending one's own life. The Suicide

Act 1961 is an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom Before the Suicide Act 1961,

it was a crime to commit suicide, and anyone who attempted and failed could be

prosecuted and imprisoned, while the families of those who succeeded could also

potentially be prosecuted.

This Act was enacted verbatim for Northern Ireland by sections 12 and 13 of

the Criminal Justice Act 1966. The Act did not apply to Scotland, as suicide was never an

offence under Scots Law. Assisting a suicide in Scotland can in some circumstances

constitute murder or culpable homicide, but no modern examples of cases devoid

of direct application of intentional or unintentional harm (such as helping a person to

inject themselves) seem to be available; it was noted in a consultation preceding the

introduction of the Assisted Suicide (Scotland) Bill that the law appears to be subject to

some uncertainty, partly because of a lack of relevant case law.

The Suicide Act 1961 is a law in United Kingdom. Because of this law, suicides

become lessen in some countries like England and Wales. Those people who tried to

commit suicide but they failed could be prosecuted or be imprisoned. If the person who

MGS&KDCB 21
tried to kill himself dies, his family members will be responsible for it. The family

members could be prosecuted also. This act is not apply in some areas or some countries.

The country Scotland is one of the country that decriminalized the suicide law. In

Scotland, if they want to help a person to commit suicide, or they convinced the person to

kill himself they will accused on being a murderer. A person who aids, procures the

suicide of another, or attempt by another to commit suicide shall be liable on conviction

on indictment to imprisonment. References: Smartt, Ursula (2009). "Euthanasia and

the Law". Criminal Law & Justice Weekly.

MGS&KDCB 22
 CHAPTER III

Research Methodology

This chapter represents the research methodology. It includes the research design,

locale of the study, sampling design, data gathering tool, data gathering procedure,

statistical treatment of data.

Research Design

The research study make used of the Descriptive Research which is defined by

Calderon (1993) as purposive process of gathering data, analyzing, classifying, and

tabulating data about prevailing conditions, practices beliefs, processes, trends, and

cause-effect relationships and then making adequate and accurate interpretation about

such data with or without the aid of statistical method.

In this inquiry, the researcher uses the Descriptive – Survey to represent and

summarize the data, which is suitable whenever the subjects vary among themselves and

one is interested to know the extent to which different conditions and situations are obtain

among the subjects. It can be useful because it can provide a value of facts to the readers

which may have them in the future; another is on focusing attention on the most

important things to be reported on the study.

MGS&KDCB 23
 The descriptive research design was used to describe characteristic of a population

or phenomenon being studied. It does not answer question about how/when/why the

characteristics occurred. Rather it addresses the “what” question. The characteristic used

to describe the situation or population is the categorical scheme or somewhat called

descriptive categories.

Descriptive research is a scientific method which involves observing and describing

the behavior of subject. It involves data collection in order to test the hypothesis and to

answer questions concerning the current status of the subject study; it gives an indication

of how one variable may predict one another. The said methods were employ to

determine the Suicidal Thoughts perceived by the students of Liceo de San Pablo, San

Pablo City Laguna along with family, school, and community factors.

Questionnaire-checklist was the main instrument for gathering data. The

respondents were selected to ensure the representatives of the population being studied

and that method of data analysis is appropriate so that the result were properly

interpreted.

Research Locale

This research was conducted among the students of Liceo de San Pablo, a catholic

school from San Pablo City, Laguna.

MGS&KDCB 24
Population of the study/Sampling Design

This study used purposive sampling technique which is a non-probability sample

that is selected based on characteristics of a population and the objective of the study.

Purposive sampling is also known as judgmental, selective, or subject sampling. The

respondents were from the Science Section of the Junior High School of Liceo de San

Pablo. By means of total enumeration, the total population of the study is 30 students.

Data Gathering Tool

The researcher used instruments with an objective to determine the Factors that

lead youth to walk on a Suicidal Path : Perceived by the thoughts of the students of Liceo

de San Pablo S.Y 2017-2018.

There were two parts of the questionnaire. The first part was focused on the

demographic profile of the respondents such as name, age, gender, and grade level. The

second part was the assessment of the level of Suicidal Thoughts with the given factors

such as; family, school, and community factors which answered the main problem of the

study. After the approval of the questionnaire, the researcher disseminates the

questionnaire to the respondents.

MGS&KDCB 25
Data Gathering Procedure

The researcher undergoes with the approval of the research adviser, chief advisers

from the grade seven level up to grade ten level, academic coordinators and principal to

conduct the study which relative to the Suicidal Thoughts perceived by the students of

Liceo de san Pablo. As soon as the letter approved, the researcher conduct a survey from

grade seven up to grade ten level to gather information. The researcher prefers and

conducted a short survey questionnaire checklist and collected it on the same day. Before

disseminating the questionnaires, researcher has instructed the respondents on how they

are going to answer the questionnaire. Given the following scale: Strongly Agree/Very

High (1), Agree/High (2), Disagree/Low(3), Strongly Disagree/Very Low (4), student

should choose from the scale of 1-4 which is corresponds to the level of their Suicidal

Thoughts. After the instruction of the researcher was given, the respondents were given

an allotted time to answer to questionnaire. The retrieval of the instrument is highly

considered; the researcher tallied, tabulation of the data, and applied treatment using the

statistical tools which is appropriate to the study.

Treatment of Data

After the questionnaire was collected, raw scores tallied, presented, analyze, and

interpreted in the tabular form, the researcher put an effort to present the results

accurately. The data of the inquiry was subjected to a statistical analysis. Statistical tools

used and to be employed are as follows:

MGS&KDCB 26
1. Relative frequency was used in presenting the profile of the respondents. Given the

formula for relative frequency:

𝑓
RF = (100)
𝑛

Where; f = frequency

RF = Relative Frequency n = total number

2. For determining the level of suicidal thoughts of the students, the researcher considers

the following factors: Family Factors, School Factors, and Community Factors. The

weighted mean was used in this part. Given the formula for weighted mean:

∑𝑁
𝑖=1 (𝑓𝑖)(𝑥𝑖)
𝜇=
𝑁

Where;

𝜇 = Weighted mean

x = Weight of scale

∑ = Summation

N = Total number of weight

f = Frequency

MGS&KDCB 27
The result data will be converting into verbal interpretation for the researcher able to

prove and answer the hypothesis.

The following scale was used to determine the level of Suicidal Thoughts of the youths

together with the Family, School, and Community Factors.

SCALE VERBAL INTERPRETATON

1.00 – 1.50 Very High

1.51 – 2.50 High

2.51 – 3.50 Low

3.51 - 4.00 Very Low

3. For determining the respondents’ level of Suicidal Thoughts of youth, relative

frequency was also used (see formula in number 1 above.)

4. For determining and answering the hypothesis of the study stated as, “If the

respondent’s level of Suicidal Thoughts is high, then it affects the population of the

community.” The researcher used a verbal interpretation scale giving with a

corresponding and right compilation of average for the Suicidal Thoughts. Also the

researcher uses the midpoint method or the class mark to get the mean or average of

MGS&KDCB 28
respondents’ Suicidal Thoughts based on the given factors namely; family, friends, and

community. Given the formula for midpoint method:

∑ 𝑓𝑥
x = 𝑛

Where;

x = mean of the grouped data x = class mark of each class

f = frequency of each class n = total number of observer

MGS&KDCB 29
 CHAPTER IV

PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

This chapter presents, analyzed, and interprets the data gathered following the

sequence of the specific questions posed by this study.

1. What is the demographic profile of the respondents in terms of the:

1.1 Age

Illustration 1: The percentage distribution of the respondents in terms of age.

Age

7% 17%

16 years old
36%
20% 15 years old
14 years old
13 years old

20% 12 years old

MGS&KDCB 30
 Illustration 1 shows the frequency and the percentage distribution of the respondents

in terms of their age. The greatest numbers of respondents is 13 years old, which is 36%

of the population of the study. Followed by 20% of the respondents from ages 15 and 14

year-olds each, next is 16 years old that is 17%. The 7% left in the graph above are 12

years old.

1.2 Gender

Illustration 2: The percentage distribution of the respondents in terms of their gender.

Gender

10%

Male
Female

90%

Illustration 2 shows the percentage distribution of the respondents in terms of their

age. There are mostly Female respondents with the total of 27 or 90% of the total

population that the Male respondents with only 3 or 10% of the total number of the

population.

MGS&KDCB 31
 1.3 Grade Level

Illustration 3: The percentage distribution of the respondents in terms of their grade

levels.

Grade Level

23% 27%

Grade 7
Grade 8
23% Grade 9
27% Grade 10

Illustration 3 shows the percentage distribution of the respondents in terms of their

grade level. Grade 7 and Grade 8 both got 27% of the total population of the respondents

while both Grade 9 and 10 got 23% of the total population of the respondents.

2. What is the level of the causes of Suicidal Thoughts of the respondents along with

2.1 Family Factors

MGS&KDCB 32
Table 1 shows the level of Suicidal Thoughts of the respondents along with the

Family Factors.

A. Family Factors Mean Verbal

Interpretations

1. Parents doesn't care on their children 2.03 High

2. Born in a poor family (poverty) 2.40 High

3. Troubled because of having a criminal parent/s 2.23 High

4.Parents commited suicide 2.07 High

5. Having a broken family 2.03 High

OVER-ALL Verbal Interpretation 2.15 High

The mean responses for all the indicators ranged from 2.03 to 2.40 with an overall

mean of 2.15.

The respondents agreed on all of the family factors that affecting their suicidal

thoughts. Most of them agreed on statement number 5 and 1 , which stated as “Having a

broken family.” and “Parents doesn’t care on their children.” with a mean of 2.03.

In overall, the statements that desribe the level of suicidal thoughts along with the

family factors were given a mean of agree. This means that the youth are experiencing

high level of suicidal thoughts along with family factors.

MGS&KDCB 33
 2.2 School Factors

Table 2: shows the level of Suicidal Thoughts of the respondents along with the

School Factors.

B. School Factors Mean Verbal

Interpretation

1. Bullied by classmates/schoolmates 1.60 Very High

2. Getting a low grades 2.57 High

3. Always scolded by teachers 2.37 High

4. Depressed because of too much school works 2.17 High

5. Stressed how to pay all the fees (Financial Problem) 2.13 Very High

OVER-ALL Verbal Interpretation 2.17 High

Table 2 shows the level of suicidal thoughts of the respondents along with School

Factors. The mean responses for all the indicators ranged from 1.60 to 2.57 with an

overall mean of 2.17

Some respondents strongly agreed on statement number 1 and 5 while others agreed

on statement number 2, 3, and 4 of school factors that affecting their suicidal thoughts .

Most of them strongly agreed on statement number 1, which stated as “Bullied by

classmates/schoolmates..” with a mean of 1.60

MGS&KDCB 34
 In overall, the statements that desribe the level of suicidal thoughts along with the

school factors were given a mean of agree. This means that the youth are experiencing

high level of suicidal thoughts along with school factors.

2.3 Community Factors

Table 3 shows the level of Suicidal Thoughts of the respondents along with the

Community Factors.

C. Community Factors Mean Verbal

Interpretation

1. Feeling alone and lonely 1.50 Very High

2. Gossip by people because of being pregnant at a young 1.80 High

age

3. Judge because of being LGBT 2.03 High

4. Accused by people that lead he/she to jail 2.03 High

5. Using illegal drugs 1.77 High

OVER-ALL Verbal Interpretation 1.83 High

Table 3 shows the level of suicidal thoughts of the respondents along with

Community Factors. The mean responses for all the indicators ranged from 1.50 to 2.03

with an overall mean of 1.83.

MGS&KDCB 35
 Some respondents strongly agreed on statement number 1 while others agreed on

statement number 2, 3, 4, and 5 of community factors that affecting their suicidal

thoughts . Most of them strongly agreed on statement number 1, which stated as “Feeling

alone and lonely.” with a mean of 1.50.

In overall, the statements that desribe the level of suicidal thoughts along with the

community factors were given a mean of agree. This means that the youth are

experiencing high level of suicidal thoughts along with community factors.

Table 4 : Summary table for Respondent’s Level of Suicidal Thoughts

FACTORS WEIGHTED VERBAL RANK

MEAN INTERPRETATION

1. Family 2.15 HIGH 2

Factors

2. School 2.17 HIGH 3

Factors

3. Community 1.83 HIGH 1

Factors

OVERALL 2.05 HIGH

WEIGHTED

MEAN

MGS&KDCB 36
 An overall weighted mean score of 2.05 revealed that level of suicidal thoughts of

the respondents were high. Ranking in the first place is the Community Factors followed

by Family Factors and lastly is the School Factors.

Illustration 4 : The Percentage distribution of the level of Suicide Thoughts

perceived by the students.

Does the Level of Suicidal Thoughts are High?

20%

Yes
No
80%

Illustration 4 shows the level of Suicidal Thoughts perceived by the students of Liceo

de San Pablo. Mostly the students answered “Yes” with the percentage of 80 while some

answered “No” with the percentage of 20. Therefore, we conclude that the level of

Suicidal Thoughts are High.

MGS&KDCB 37
Table 5 : Proposed Strategic Approach for the Youth Suicidal

AREAS OF Objectives Strategies Time Person Output

CONCERN Frame involved

1. Family Parents to care more on Parents All Parents Youth will

Factors their children. should always year and not think of

guide their round Youth committing

children in suicide

everything. because

they know

that their

parents will

always be

there for

them.

2. School No one will ever Teachers will Teach All year No one

Factors thought of bullying always lecture ers round student will

their their students and be bully

classmates/schoolmates about how Studen and they

bad bullying ts will not

is think of

committing

suicide

MGS&KDCB 38
 3. Communi Every person in the No one will All All No one will

ty Factors community will all get gossip about year person get lonely

along with each other. someone in round and alone

the because

community. they have

each other

on their

side and

they will

not think of

committing

suicide.

MGS&KDCB 39
 CHAPTER V

SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATION

This chapter presented the summary of findings, conclusion and

recommendations drawn from this study.

Summary of Findings

Based on the gathered data, the researchers concluded the following:

1. Profile of the respondents: A big number of respondents regarding the age are mostly

13 years old, when it comes to their gender; almost of them are Female with a 27

respondents. When it comes on their Grade level; both Grade 7 and 8 are 8 respondents

each while the Grade 9 and 10 are 7 respondents each.

2. Respondents Level of Suicidal Thoughts: The overall weighted mean score of the

respondents were 2.05 which are considered as HIGH. Ranking on the first place is

Community Factors, and then followed by Family Factors and lastly the School Factors.

3. The Hypothesis of the Study: The assumed hypothesis which stated as “If the

respondent’s level of Suicidal Thoughts is high, and it affects the population of the

community” was right due to the fact that the provided results of the level of suicidal

thoughts of the respondents are HIGH.

MGS&KDCB 40
CONCLUSION

In view of the findings of the study, the following conclusions are drawn.

1 .A big number of respondents were teenagers (mostly 13 years old), almost of them are

Female. Both Grade 7 and 8 are 8 respondents each while there are 7 respondents each in

Grade 9 and 10 levels.

2. Most of the respondents agreed to have high level of suicidal thoughts considering the

given factors namely; Family Factors, School Factors, and Community Factors.

3. The hypothesis of the study was right due to the fact that the provided results of the

level of suicidal thoughts of the respondents are HIGH

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Community Factors play a vital role on the level of Suicidal Thoughts of the

respondents because it revealed that this factor have a high impact for them. The

researchers want to give emphasis that all people should hang along. So no one will feel

alone and lonely. As a result the suicidal thoughts will lessen.

2. The government must provide a program every year to give lesson to youth about how

to avoid committing suicide.

3. The teachers especially the guidance counselors should talk to students about not to

bully their classmates/schoolmates so that no one study will try to commit suicide.

MGS&KDCB 41
 BIBLIOGRAPHY

A.Books/Journal

The Complete Manual of Suicide a Japanese book written by Wataru

Tsurumi.

B.Legal Bases

Suicide Act 1961

C.Electronic References

 http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/20786204.2008.10873774

 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3146433/

 http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-origins-of-suicidal-brains/

 https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-veterans/trump-orders-mental-healt

h-id-for-military-veterans-to-prevent-suicide-idUSKBN1EY1WW

MGS&KDCB 42
 APPENDICES

MGS&KDCB 43
 APPENDIX A

Validation Letter

MGS&KDCB 44
 February 19, 2018

Mr. Crisostomo L. Mapacpac

Principal

Dear Sir,

Greetings of peace!

We, Marjorie G. Silvestre and Kyla Desiree C. Bedienes of Grade 10 – St. Peter the
Supreme Pontiff are going to conduct a survey to Science Section students of Grade 7 to
Grade 10. We will give questionnaires per Grade level for our research entitled
“FACTORS THAT LEAD YOUTH TO WALK ON A SUICIDAL PATH: PERCEIVED BY THE
THOUGHTS OF THE STUDENTS OF LICEO DE SAN PABLO S.Y. 2017-2018”. Opinions and
responses will be kept confidential and will only be used for academic purposes.

The survey will last for 10-15 minutes and would be possible at a time convenient to
the availability of the students (e.g during break time). After the data analysis, you will
receive a copy of the respondents’ summary that will be included in some parts of our
thesis.

Thank you for your understanding and support!

Yours truly,

Marjorie G. Silvestre Kyla Desiree C. Bedienes

Researcher Researcher

Recommending Approval:

Mrs. Lilian A. Corales Mrs. Connie R. Gapasan Mrs. Loida H. Dumas

Research Adviser Academic Coordinator Academic Coordinator

Approved By:

Mr. Crisostomo L. Mapacpac

Principal

MGS&KDCB 45
 APPENDIX B

Survey Questionnaire

MGS&KDCB 46
 Liceo de San Pablo

San Pablo City

FACTORS THAT LEAD YOUTH TO WALK ON A SUICIDAL PATH:

PERCEIVED BY THE THOUGHTS OF THE STUDENT OF

LICEO DE SAN PABLO A.Y. 2017-2018

SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRE (Student Respondents)

Name:
Grade Level:

Age:
Gender:

Level of the causes of Suicidal Thoughts

DIRECTON: Choose from scale of 1-5 below by putting a check on the space provided.

1- Strongly Agree 2- Agree 3- Disagree 4- Strongly Disagree

A. Family Factors 1 2 3 4

1. Parents doesn't care on their children

2. Born in a poor family (poverty)

3. Troubled because of having a criminal

parent/s
4.Parents commited suicide

5. Having a broken family

MGS&KDCB 47
 B. School Factors 1 2 3 4

1. Bullied by classmates/schoolmates

2. Getting a low grades

3. Always scolded by teachers

4. Depressed because of too much school works

5. Stressed how to pay all the fees (Financial

Problem)

C. Community Factors 1 2 3 4

1. Feeling alone and lonely

2. Gossip by people because of being pregnant

at a young age

3. Judge because of being LGBT

4. Accused by people that lead he/she to jail

5. Using illegal drugs

Do you think the level of suicidal thoughts are high? YES NO

Have you ever though of commiting suicide? YES NO

What can you suggest to lessen the youth who commit suicide ?

MGS&KDCB 48
 APPENDIX C

Curriculum Vitae

MGS&KDCB 49
BEDIENES, KYLA DESIREE C.

259 Purok 2 Brgy. San Miguel

San Pablo City, Laguna, Philippines

Mobile No. (0926) 718 – 0838

E-mail address: kthdesiree@gmail.com

Twitter: @kthdesiree_

Personal Information

Nickname: Kyla/Des

Date of Birth: August 4, 2002

Place of Birth: San Pablo City, Laguna

Age: 15 years old

Gender: Female

Civil Status: Single

Religion: Roman Catholic

Father’s Name: Ruben S. Bedienes

Mother’s Name: Rowena C. Bedienes

MGS&KDCB 50
EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT

Secondary: Liceo de San Pablo (Junior High School)

M.Paulino Street, San Pablo City

S.Y. 2013-2018

Elementary: San Miguel Elementary School

Brgy. San Miguel, San Pablo City

AWARDS RECEIVED:

Elementary

Grade 1-6

Fifth Honors

Grade 8

Girls Scout

MGS&KDCB 51
SILVESTRE, MARJORIE G.

356 Purok 7 Brgy. Sta. Monica

San Pablo City, Laguna, Philippines

Mobile No. (0908) 324 – 6952

E-mail address: marjoriesilvestre35@yahoo.com

Twitter: @marjsilvestre_

Personal Information

Nickname: Marj/Jopay

Date of Birth: November 21, 2001

Place of Birth: San Pablo City, Laguna

Age: 16 years old

Gender: Female

Civil Status: Single

Religion: Roman Catholic

Father’s Name: Joeri P. Silvestre

Mother’s Name: Gemma G. Silvestre

MGS&KDCB 52
EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT

Secondary: Liceo de San Pablo (Junior High School)

M.Paulino Street, San Pablo City

S.Y. 2013-2018

Elementary: Sta. Monica Elementary School

Brgy. Sta. Monica, San Pablo City

AWARDS RECEIVED:

Elementary

Grade 1-3

Third Honors

Grade 4-6

Second Honors

High School

Grade 7

Third Honor

Best in Mathematics

Exemplary in Conduct

MGS&KDCB 53
 Grade 8

Third Honor

Best in Mathematics

Best in Science

Grade 9

With Honors

Best in Mathematics

Exemplary in Conduct

Best in TLE

Grade 10

Second Place – Academic Olympics Math Quiz Bee

Finalist – Chem Collision

Participant – MTAP

MGS&KDCB 54