| Author: | So, Oi-king |
| Title: | An exploratory study on risk factors associated with youth suicide in Hong Kong |
| Degree: | M.A. |
| Year: | 1996 |
| Subject: | Youth -- China -- Hong Kong -- Suicidal behavior Hong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertations |
| Department: | Department of Applied Social Studies |
| Pages: | 78, v, 6 p. ; 30 cm |
| Language: | English |
| Abstract: | This was an exploratory study adopting qualitative approach in order to understand a group of young people from their perspectives on suicidal behavior. Making use of their views of understanding, the researcher tried to identify some risk factors and hightligh some suggestions in preventing the youth suicide in Hong Kong. With the Suicide Trajectory Model by Stillion & McDowell ( 1991), a few risk factors were specified and explored under his framework. Respondents with vague and broad interpretations on the meaning of suicide were found more likely then other to be in danger. They might self-label themselves as suicidal person. Suicidal or self-harm behavior may turn as a self-fulfilling prophecy. Apart from that, the respondents who " dare not to die" were more likely to resort to be suicidal act when they felt absolutely alienated. Even they are not death-seeker, but they do not mind doing anything harmful to themselves. In line with other studies, this explained why deliberate self-harm was reported to be so popular among some of the young people. Moreover, the respondents admitted that sometimes they did in need of help but they were unwilling to seek help from adults or help-agents, such as social workers. The cultural factor certainly had an impact on the help-seeking behavior of the young generation. The taboos on suicide and the " face and shame" culture were still domineering the Chinese society. This study confirmed that our younger generation have weak coping ability. They urges for the concern and help form others, but they are unable to express their needs through proper channels. School was identified as an optimal place to prevent youth suicide for the at-risk group and the young people in general. The objectives, content, effectiveness of the school-based programs and the situation in schools of Hong Kong were briefly discussed. A more cultural sensitive practice had been proposed to promote the diffusion of the role between formal and informal help-agents. This was the first attempt of employing a qualitative approach by the researcher to look into the issue of youth suicide. The process was insightful and helpful since the researcher is also a practitioner in youth services. This study added to the present knowledge and understanding on the youth suicide from the views of the young people themselves. |
| Rights: | All rights reserved |
| Access: | restricted access |
Files in This Item:
| File | Description | Size | Format | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| b12313191.pdf | For All Users (off-campus access for PolyU Staff & Students only) | 3.57 MB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
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