The relationship between positive mental health, academic stress and suicide ideation among Malaysian adolescents residing in Johor Bahru

Abstract

Many Malaysian adolescents are experiencing stress due to high self-expectations in achieving academic grades. As a result, many adolescents are experiencing suicidal ideation, therefore, it is imperative to find important protective factors to minimize the chances of such adolescents committing suicide. This study aimed to assess whether or not there is a relationship between positive mental health, academic stress and suicidal ideation among Malaysian adolescents residing in Johor Bahru. This study also explored whether or not positive mental health serves to mitigate the relationship between academic stress and suicide suicidal ideation. The participants were a 210 Malaysian adolescents residing in Johor Bahru, aged 15-20 years. The participants Mala completed the Assessing Academic Stress, Positive Mental Health Questionnaire and Suicide Behavior Questionnaire. Data were analysed using correlation, regression, and PLS-SEM. The findings revealed that academic stress does cause suicidal ideation in Malaysian adolescents. The results of the correlation analysis showed that there is a negative association between positive mental health with academic stress and suicide ideation. Furthermore, this study found that positive mental health does serve as a significant mediator between academic stress and suicidal ideation. Academic stress leads to suicidal ideation, but positive mental health could be significant protective factor. Therefore, there is a need for parents, teachers and peers to promote positive mental health at home and in school, which is essential in curbing academic stress and suicidal ideation.