Caribbean Secondary Examination Certificate

School Based Assessment

SUICIDAL
TENDENCIES

SCHOOL: ST. GEORGE’S COLLEGE

CENTER NUMBER: 100107

CANDIDATE NUMBER: 1001073948

CANDIDATE NAME: Eze Thomas

TEACHER: Mrs Anderson

YEAR: 2023

TERRITORY: Jamaica

TITLE: An Investigation of the Effects of suicidal tendencies in Coopers Hill community St

andrew

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 Acknowledgements

I want to express gratitude to Mrs. Anderson, St. Georges College, and friends and family for

their guidance, constructive feedback, and unwavering support during my Social Studies SBA.

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 Table of Contents

Statement of Problem

Reasons For Selecting Area of Research

Method of Investigation

Questionnaire

Procedures used to collect data

Presentation of Data

Analysis and interpretation of data

Findings

Recommendation and Implementation

Appendix

Bibliography

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 Statement of Problem
What are the major effects of suicidal tendencies within the Cooper's hill community of st

Andrew?

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 Reasons For Selecting Area of Research

The research is being conducted within the parish of St. Andrew, specifically in the Cooper's Hill

Community, with a primary focus on Red Hill's Square, where the estimated population is 1000. The

exploration of the effects of suicidal tendencies in this area is a largely uncharted territory. The

repercussions extend beyond the individual, influencing relationships, social dynamics, and overall well-

being.The decision to delve into this particular topic stems from a genuine curiosity about the profound

impact that these deep tendencies may have, not only on individuals themselves but also on others within

their environment. This curiosity was sparked by the researchers' interactions with individuals inside the

square, some of whom made remarks about suicide, albeit in a joking manner. The aim is to shed light on

the understudied aspects of the subject and contribute valuable insights to the understanding of how

suicidal tendencies impact both individuals and their communities in the unique context of Red Hill's

Square.

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 Method of Investigation
The researcher utilized questionnaires as the primary data collection method. According to Clint.com A

questionnaire is a research tool featuring a series of questions used to collect useful information from

respondents.The researcher chose this as the primary data collection method as it provides the following.

1. Efficiency: Questionnaires allow for swift data collection.

2. Anonymity: They can be designed to ensure respondent anonymity, encouraging honest and open

responses, thus improving data reliability.

3. Directness: Questionnaires yield direct and dependable information, as respondents only need to select

answers, saving time and reducing incomplete responses.

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 Questionnaire
Instruction: Tick the appropriate answer in the provided box.

1. What is your gender?

[ ] Male [ ] Female

2. What is your age?

[ ] 12-21 years [ ] 22-25 years [ ] 26-29 years [ ] 30+ years

3.Have you ever had thoughts of self harm or suicidal tendencies:

[ ] Yes [ ] No

4. Have you reached out for Help from mental health organizations:

[ ] Yes, [ ] No,

[ ] Aware but not used

5. Comfort Discussing with Family/Friends:

[ ] Very comfortable [ ] Somewhat comfortable [ ] Neutral [ ] Somewhat uncomfortable

[ ] Very uncomfortable

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6. During periods of suicidal tendencies, have you experienced any of the following?

[ ] Hopelessness [ ] Isolation

[ ] Loss of interest in activities [ ] Changes in sleep patterns

[ ] Changes in appetite

7. How do these tendencies impact your relationships with friends and family?

[ ] Strained communication [ ] Withdrawal from social interactions

[ ] Difficulty seeking support [ ] Increased conflicts

8.What coping mechanisms or strategies do you typically use when experiencing suicidal tendencies?

[ ] Talking to a trusted person [ ] creative outlets

[ ] Physical exercise [ ] professional help

9. Does having a support system affect your ability to manage or overcome suicidal tendencies?

[ ] Increased resilience [ ] Improved coping skills

[ ] Enhanced emotional support [ ] Reduced feelings of isolation

10. What barriers do individuals with suicidal tendencies face when trying to access mental health

services or resources?

[ ] Stigma surrounding mental health [ ] Lack of awareness about available resources

[ ] Financial constraints [ ] Limited accessibility to mental health services

[ ] Fear of judgment or negative consequences

11. How do you believe society can better support individuals experiencing suicidal tendencies?

[ ]Increased awareness [ ] Reduced mental health stigma

[ ] Accessible resources [ ]Strengthened community

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12.How can the government assist people with suicidal tendencies?

[ ] increased access to mental [ ] Suicide prevention hotlines services [ ] Public awareness campaigns [ ]

Enhanced mental health education

13.How has your support system influenced your ability to cope with suicidal tendencies?

[ ] Emotional support [ ]Encouragement to seek help [ ] Feeling understood: [ ] Offering practical help:

14. Do you find it easier to confide in and seek help from professional mental health providers or from

friends and family when facing suicidal tendencies?

[ ] Professional help [ ] Friends and family [ ] Self-help [ ] Online communities/support groups:

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 Procedures used to collect data
In Cooper's Hill, St. Andrew, a study with 40 households utilized electronic questionnaires administered

through Google Forms. These questionnaires were distributed to residents in both households and public

squares within the area. The researcher personally collected the data from the completed questionnaires

on July 24, 2023 , the collection period was from July 17 to July 24 2023. This method of data collection

was chosen for its convenience and efficiency in gathering responses from a diverse range of participants.

The high response rate from all 40 distributed questionnaires ensured robust data for the study. This

procedure was necessary to gather comprehensive information from the local community, enabling

thorough analysis and insights into the research objectives.

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 Presentation of Data

InFigure 1.1 displays Preference for Seeking Help: : professional aid (10%), friends and family (42.5%),

self-help (30%), online communities (17.5%).

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Figure 1.2 show. How can Society Support Individuals:: reduced stigma (22.5%), strengthened networks

(15%), accessible mental health (35%), increased awareness (27.5%).

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Figure 1. 3 Donut chart on comfort discussing with family/friends: 7.5% very comfortable, 15%

somewhat uncomfortable, 25% somewhat comfortable, 30% neutral, 22.5% very uncomfortable.

In figure 1.4 Column graph shows government preferences: 40% for mental health education, 35% for

increased services, 20% for suicide hotlines, and 5% for awareness campaigns.

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 OPTION ( Years) PERCENTAGE

30+ 9.7%

26-29 3.2%

22-25 9.7%

12-21 77.4%

In Figure 1.5, a table illustrates respondent age groups: 9.7% selected 30+, 3.2% chose 26-29, 9.7% chose

22-25, and 77.4% chose 12-21 years.

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 Analysis and interpretation of data

Analysis involves breaking down and reconstructing information to gain understanding, while

interpretation provides a perspective on a particular topic. Examining Figure 1.1 reveals a distinct

preference among respondents to confide in friends and family during suicidal thoughts, sidelining

professional help, self-help, or online communities. This suggests a significant trend in seeking support

from close relationships rather than formal avenues.Addressing the communication aspect (Figure 1.3), it

is evident that a barrier exists, with 22.5% of respondents expressing discomfort discussing the topic. This

finding underscores the strain on communication caused by suicidal tendencies.The age-specific

breakdown in Figure 1.5 emphasizes that individuals aged 12–21 are more prevalent in experiencing

suicidal thoughts. This demographic trend highlights the urgency for tailored interventions, particularly

focusing on adolescents.Furthermore, Figure 1.4 indicates a prioritization among respondents for

enhancing mental health education in schools. This underscores the vulnerability of youths, aligning with

existing literature on the importance of targeted educational efforts.In summary, the analysis reveals a

significant inclination among respondents in Cooper's Hill to confide in friends and family during suicidal

thoughts. The identified communication barrier and the higher prevalence among adolescents emphasize

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the need for tailored interventions. Drawing from related literature and the rationale for conducting the

research, there is a compelling case for increased mental health education, particularly targeted at the

vulnerable youth demographic.

Findings
After researching and analyzing the data, the researcher has reached the following conclusions:

Residents often seek support from friends and family during suicidal thoughts, emphasizing the

importance of personal support networks.

Cooper's Hill adolescents aged 12-21 frequently exhibit suicidal tendencies and frequently seek support

from friends and family..

Cooper's Hill residents prioritize mental health education in schools, particularly for vulnerable youths.

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 Recommendation and Implementation

After completing the research and analysis, the researcher identified three effective strategies to address

and mitigate the issue.

1. Implement mental health courses in schools

2. establish suicide prevention hotlines ,ensure proper training and funding for the hotlines.

3. raise public awareness.

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To successfully implement Strategy 2 – establishing suicide prevention hotlines – a comprehensive

approach must be undertaken. The formation of a qualified team, including mental health professionals

adept at handling unpredictable situations, is crucial for providing effective support. Tailoring hotline

services to target the age group of 12-21 involves collaboration with educational institutions and youth

organizations, ensuring the specific needs of adolescents and young adults are addressed. Effective

promotion through various channels, such as social media and school networks, is essential to maximize

outreach and awareness within the target demographic. Simultaneously, securing funding before the

hotline's construction begins is imperative for its sustainability, involving a thorough budget analysis,

partnerships with governmental agencies, private foundations, and corporate sponsors. This detailed

execution plan aims to create a robust and tailored suicide prevention hotline that is well-prepared, widely

accessible, and financially supported, addressing the unique challenges faced by the identified age group.

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 Appendix

Data Collection Instrument

Coopers Hill

Redhills PO

St Andrew

Dear residents,

I'm Eze Thomas, a community member conducting vital research on the impact of suicidal tendencies for

my Social Studies Student Based Assessment (SBA). Your truthful responses to the questionnaire are

crucial, especially if you're a teenager aged 13-19. Please mark your answers with a tick [ ]. Your

participation will greatly assist our efforts to support those in our community facing these challenges.

Thank you!

Thank you for your cooperation.

Yours Truly

___________________

Eze Thomas

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 Bibliography

Braaten, Leif J., and C. Douglas Darling. “Suicidal Tendencies Among College Students -
Psychiatric Quarterly.” SpringerLink, 1 Dec. 1962, https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01586147.

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