Title: Peer Social Comparison As A Correlate Of Suicidal Ideation Among Undergraduates In Delta State
Authors: OBI Paul Arinze, Prof. (Mrs.) E. E. EBENUWA-OKOH, Prof. (Mrs.) F.N. UGOJI
Volume: 8
Issue: 11
Pages: 323-328
Publication Date: 2024/11/28
Abstract:
: This study explored the relationship between peer social comparison as a correlate of suicidal ideation among undergraduates in Delta State. Two research questions and two null hypotheses guided the study. The design that was used for this study is an expo-facto research design. The population of this study comprises 60,790 in four public universities in Delta State. The sample of this study consists of 1000 students drawn from the entire population using multi-stage sampling procedures. The instrument for data collection was a questionnaire titled the peer social comparison and suicidal ideation questionnaire (PSCSIQ). The reliability of the instrument was computed using Cronbach Alpha, and reliability coefficient values of 0.59 and 0.69 were obtained for the peer social comparison and the suicidal ideation rating scales, respectively. The instruments were administered by the researcher and two research assistants to respondents in the selected tertiary institutions as stated in the sampling procedures for the study. The research questions were answered using the Pearson correlation and coefficient of determination, and hypotheses were tested using linear and multiple linear regressions at a 0.05 level of significance. The findings of this study revealed that there is a significant relationship between peer social comparison and suicidal ideation among university undergraduates in Delta State, and there is no significant moderating impact of sex in the relationship between peer social comparison and suicidal ideation among university undergraduates in Delta State. Based on the finding, it was recommended, among others, that tertiary institutions should develop and implement comprehensive mental health programs that specifically address peer social comparison among undergraduates irrespective of sex.