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Abstract

This study explores the impact of parental expectations on suicidal ideation among adolescents aged 15-21. A sample of 200 adolescents, comprising 100 girls and 100 boys, was randomly selected from various colleges and universities in Peshawar. Data collection spanned six months, employing both questionnaires and interviews to gather comprehensive information. The demographic data and parental expectations were assessed using a self-constructed questionnaire with 12 items rated on a five-point scale ranging from "strongly disagree" to "strongly agree." Suicidal ideation was measured using a modified version of the Suicidal Ideation Scale by Ivan W. Miller (1991), which contains 18 items designed to evaluate the presence and severity of suicidal thoughts. Participants were assured of their anonymity and confidentiality, with consent obtained from relevant authorities, including principals and teachers. Data collection involved personal visits and phone calls to the students, followed by one-on-one interviews conducted daily. The study hypothesizes that parental expectations are a significant factor contributing to suicidal ideation among adolescents. Initial findings indicate a correlation between high parental expectations and increased suicidal thoughts, with variations observed between genders. The result indicates that there is non-significant difference between male and female adolescents where female adolescents have slightly more suicidal ideation than male adolescents. However, this mean difference i.e. 0.98 is not statistically significant as p-value is greater than .05 This research highlights the need for awareness and intervention strategies that address the pressures adolescents face due to parental expectations. In conclusion, understanding the role of parental expectations in suicidal ideation can inform targeted interventions and support mechanisms for adolescents. The findings underscore the importance of balancing parental expectations with the mental health and well-being of adolescents to mitigate the risk of suicide. Further research is recommended to explore additional factors and develop comprehensive prevention strategies.