A study of self-conceptandsuicidal ideation among male & female engineering college students

The suicidal behaviour of an individual begins with emotional turmoil, and ideation. During adolescence, and pre-adulthood there is a tendency of emotional instability rather confusion. This tendency would depend on many factors of personality. Another element playing an important role during this phase is Self-Concept (Self-Esteem). Low self-esteem could lead to isolation, negative thoughts, and depression. Conversely, high self-esteem is associated with high tone life, a greater control over emotions, less anxiety and greater capacity to cope with internal and external stress. The students undertaking technical education (Engineering) are at high risk, with increased stress about future. The Research was aimed at studying the Self-Concept and Suicidal Ideation among the Engineering College Students, in the region of Nagpur, India. Sample was selected purposively with, 750 Engineering College students (450 Male and 300 Female) from Engineering College students of 10 Colleges of Nagpur Region. The hypotheses were tested using the ‘t’ test for knowing whether there was any difference in the mean scores of Male and Female students for Self-Concept and Suicidal Ideation separately. The Self-Concept of students was measured using Self-Concept Questionnaire (SCQ) standardized by Sara swat Raj Kumar (1984), and Suicidal Ideation was measured using Suicide Probability Scale (SPS) prepared by John G. Cull and Wayne S. Gill (1989). The outcome of the study revealed that:1. The Self-Concept of Male Engineering College Students is significantly higher as compared to the Female Students (t>0.01). 2. The Suicidal Ideation of female Engineering College students is significantly higher as compared to Male students (t>0.01).