The Deafening Silence of Students Developing Suicidal Ideation During the Pandemic: A Phenomenology

Abstract

Developing suicidal ideation among students is very rampant yet can be prevented. Myriad works of literature dictate that in the world of psychology and education, thinking of ending one’s life. However, no study explicates the experiences of these students experiencing the act of thinking to commit suicide. This study explored the lived experiences of students who develop suicidal ideation during this time of pandemic for numerous reasons. Anchored from Integrated Motivational-Volitional Model, this study used the Heideggerian Phenomenology research design. Individual interviews were conducted with seven participants utilizing a semi-structured interview guide in Cebu province. The seven participants were carefully chosen using purposive sampling with the incorporation of the inclusion criteria. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) popularized by Moustakas and modified by Van Kaam Approach with 7 steps was employed in the study. There are four themes: (1) No way Out, (2) No Support, (3) No Relationship, and (4) No Valid Reason. These themes elaborated on how the participants lived their lives with dangerous minds to end their existence. With this, it is recommended that a counseling session as a psychological intervention may be instituted by the University Guidance Counselor through a management plan considering the number of students and other resources.