Anger, Emotional Distress, and Suicidal Ideation in University Students with Mild Psychological Problems

Author: Soulat Khan

Supervisor: Ms. Tahira Mubashir

Degree: MPhil

Year: (2010-2012)

University: Institute of Applied Psychology, Punjab University, Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract

The present research investigated relationship between anger (instrumental anger, reactive anger, and anger control), emotional distress and suicidal ideation (pansi-negative, pansi-positive) in university students with mild psychological problems. It was hypothesized that (a) There is likely to be relationship between anger, emotional distress and suicidal ideation (b) Anger and emotional distress are predictors of suicidal ideation (c) There are likely to be gender differences in anger, emotional distress and suicidal ideation. The sample was composed of n 40 students (boys = 16, girls = 24) with age range between 18 to 22 years. Sample was drawn by using purposive sampling strategy from university of Punjab and Lahore College for Women University. Anger rating scale (burney, 2001), emotional distress inventory (moscoso, et al., 1999) and positive and negative suicide ideation inventory (pansi) of (osman, 1998) were administered to assess anger, emotional distress and suicidal ideation respectively. Findings revealed significant positive relationship between anger and suicidal ideation (pansi-negative) and significant negative correlation in anger and protective thoughts and ideations (pansi-positive). Results also revealed significant positive correlation between emotional distress and suicidal ideation (pansi-negative) and significant negative correlation between emotional distress and protective thoughts and ideations (pansi-positive). Anger and emotional distress emerged as significant predictors of suicidal ideation. Results showed no significant gender differences in anger, emotional distress and suicidal ideation. The study findings suggest that future programs for prevention or alleviation of suicidal ideation need to use interventions that reduce student’s anger and emotional distress.

Keywords: anger, emotional distress, suicidal ideation, psychological problems, students.

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Corresponding Address: Department of Applied Psychology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan. Email: chairperson@appsy.pu.edu.pk, Phone: 92-42-9231245

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