LEARNED HELPLESSNESS, SELF-CONCEPT CLARITY AND FATIGUE AS PREDICTORS OF SUICIDALITY AMONG ADOLESCENTS AND ADULTS IN OYO STATE, NIGERIA

 

Gesinde; A.M; Adejumo, G.O. & Eyisi Meek

Department of Psychology, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, NIGERIA

 

Abstract

This study examined learned helplessness, self-concept clarity and fatigue as predictors of suicidality among adults and adolescents in Ibadan metropolis, Oyo State. Using a cross-sectional survey design, data was collected from 2493 (Males = 969, Females = 1524 with a mean age of 37.78 years; SD = 11.94) using a cluster sampling technique. Multiple regression analysis (Stepwise), Inter-Variable correlation and independent t-test were employed to test the four stated hypotheses. Results from the stated hypotheses indicated that learned helplessness, self-concept clarity and fatigue jointly accounted for 99.6% of the variance in suicidality (R² = .998; R2 = .996; F (3, 2489) = 196657.17; p <.001) and separately predicted suicidality at different degrees in this order (fatigue β = .427; t = 22.04; p <.001; self-concept clarity β =-.403; t = -16.83; p <.001; learned helplessness β = .169; t = 8.785; p <.001). It is therefore recommended among others that practical interventions be implemented to reduce fatigue and imbue graceful self-concept clarity in Nigerian adults and adolescents, consequently preventing them from acquiescing into a helpless mindset. This will have a sheltering effect against the possibility of their developing any form of suicidal behavior.

Keywords: Learned helplessness, self-concept clarity, fatigue, suicidality, Nigeria