Font Size:     

Suicide has emerged as a serious problem in our society and if we cannot come up with more effective prevention strategies, younger adults might be vulnerable of dying of suicide which is avoidable. The current investigation aimed at prospecting the protective as well as risk factors underlying suicidal ideation in youth in the Punjab province of Pakistan. With the purpose of executing thematic analysis 10 in-depth interviews were conducted with university students, purposely selected, who had attempted suicide. In comparison, five interviews were conducted with key informants (friends, parents and teachers) of students who attempted suicide. Additionally, focus group discussions were conducted to gather qualitative data at public sector universities of Punjab, Pakistan. A Thematic analysis showed that “family issues” was the dominant theme preceding financial issues and unemployment, compared to other categories explored in this analysis. Furthermore, the analysis of interviews with key informants (i.e., parents and teachers) showed that “academic crises” was the dominant theme preceding personal relationships, followed by family issues, a disturbed home environment, stress and financial issues as compared to other categories explored in this analysis. Lastly, an emerging theme of “negative thoughts” appeared to be preceding hopelessness and depression, as compared to other categories explored in the analysis. Results further summarized that the risk factors explored in this study were personal (i.e., negative personality traits, detachment from religion), situational (i.e., extreme emotions, academic problems) and social (i.e., low socio-economic status, misuse of social media, insecure parental relationships, unsatisfied marital or other romantic relationships). Furthermore, the protective theme explored in the study included personal factors (positive personality traits, balanced emotions and high religiosity), situational factors (academic) and social factors (stable socio-economic status, social support and parental support). The present findings were aligned with earlier studies conducted in various Pakistani provinces. Based on the study's findings and the risk and protective factors it examined, future plans for youth suicide prevention can be created. Suicide incidence might potentially be significantly reduced by implementing both national and international suicide prevention initiatives.Keywords: Suicidal ideation, risk and protective factors, youth