School-Related Stress Variables as Correlates of Suicide Ideation Among Nnamdi Azikiwe University Undergraduates

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between school-related stress factors (fear of failure, financial stress, and cyberbullying) and suicide ideation among undergraduates of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. Using a correlational survey design, data were collected from a sample of 200 students selected through multistage sampling from a population of 43,363 undergraduates. Instruments included a researcher-developed School-Related Stress Questionnaire (SSQ) and the Beck Suicide Ideation Scale (BSIS). The internal consistency of the instruments was ascertained using Cronbach's Alpha technique. This yielded reliability coefficients of 0.89 and 0.85 for the SSQ and BSIS, respectively. Data was analyzed using SPSS:26. Research questions were answered using descriptive statistics and Pearson Product Moment Correlation. Null hypotheses were tested using simple regression and multiple regression at a 0.05 significance level. Results revealed a high prevalence of school-related stress, with financial stress (M = 4.05, SD = 0.73) and fear of failure (M = 3.89, SD = 0.72) being the most reported stressors. Correlational analyses indicated that fear of failure (r = .781, p < .01) and cyberbullying (r = .753, p < .01) had strong positive relationships with suicidal ideation, whereas financial stress had a weaker association (r = .378, p < .01). Regression analysis showed that school-related stressors jointly predicted 69% of the variance in suicidal ideation (R2 = .690), with fear of failure and cyberbullying emerging as significant predictors, while financial stress did not. The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted mental health interventions in Nigerian universities, with particular attention to reducing academic pressure and combating cyberbullying.