The Lived Experiences of Students with Suicidal Ideation: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Page: 60-69
Piya Pandya and Raosaheb Raut (Department of Applied Psychology, University of Mumbai, Maharashtra)

The present research study explored the lived experiences of students with suicidal ideation. Suicide is a multifaceted and global health concern by which students are largely affected. Suicidal ideation is a precursor to attempting suicide and a warning indication. The objectives of this study were to understand the students’ lived experiences with suicidal ideation and their changing perceptions. It focused on identifying processes that led to the ideation, risk factors and psychosocial factors. It also concentrated on their preferred coping strategies, identifying support systems and ways to reach out to them. The Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis approach was employed for the present study. The data was collected using an in- depth semi- structured interview schedule from eight participants, who were students that have had suicidal ideation, residing in Mumbai, within the range of 15-29years. The data was analyzed using Atlas-ti software. The findings revealed 6 superordinate themes and 14 sub-ordinate themes. The main superordinate themes are Education and Health, Abuse, The World around Us, Interpersonal Relationships, Negative Emotions and Behaviors, and Pillars of Support and Coping. The different 14 subordinate themes were discussed in detail.