Citation

Kuan KJ, Sultana Alam M, Aun TS. Pertanika J. Soc. Sci. Humanit. 2020; 28(3): 2129-2147.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2020, Universiti Putra Malaysia)

DOI

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PMID

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Abstract

In response to the high rates of suicide instances among the people of Malaysian Indian ethnicity, a mixed-methods approach was employed to examine the relationship between alienation and suicide ideation among this segment of Malaysian society. A total of 234 Malaysian Indians aged 20 - 40 were recruited for this study. Dean's alienation scale was used and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 participants. The qualitative data was thematically analysed and was used for explanatory purposes. A correlation analysis showed that powerlessness and normlessness had a significant positive correlation to suicide ideation. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis, however, showed that powerlessness appeared to be the strongest predictor in explaining suicide ideation, followed by age and income level. From a social perspective, the qualitative data revealed financial hardship and interpersonal comparison and from a cultural perspective; coping with pride, mental health and horoscope belief, contributed to a feeling of powerlessness. It is recommended that in future studies, researchers take into account the social and cultural dimensions when considering suicide prevention strategies. © Universiti Putra Malaysia Press

Language: en

Keywords

Suicide; Alienation; Malaysian Indians; Normlessness; Powerlessness