Personality Types As Determinants Of Depression And Suicidal Ideation Among Undergraduates In A Faith-Based Institution In Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

Depression and suicidal ideation represent pressing mental health challenges among undergraduate students worldwide. These issues can have far-reaching consequences, including adverse academic performance, impaired social functioning, and an increased risk of self-harm or suicide. Therefore, this study investigated the relationship between personality types, depression and suicidal ideation among the undergraduates.

A cross-sectional survey research design was adopted while 371 respondents participated in this study. Data were collected using three standardized instrument: NEO-Five-Factor Inventory; Beck Depression Inventory, and Scale for Suicide Ideation. Analysis was done using descriptive statistics and Multiple Regression Analysis.

The results revealed the prevalence of depression at 45.4% and suicidal ideation 39.1% among the undergraduates. Personality types influenced depression and suicidal ideation among undergraduates. However, conscientiousness (β = 0.132, t = 2.055, p = 0.028) and neuroticism (β = .301, t = -4.873, p = .007) were found to relatively influenced depression while only neuroticism (β = .287, t = 3.104, p = .000) was found to individually influence suicidal ideation among the undergraduates.

The study concluded that depression and suicidal ideation exists among the undergraduates, as there are significant indication of personality factors as predictors for the prevalence of depression and suicidal ideation among the undergraduates. The study however, recommended that the university environment should be strengthened, empowered in a significant way and be made to deal with mental health related factors effectively among the students.