Suicidal Ideation
Suicide is a significant community health concern and an intricate psychological phenomenon that is frequently evaluated using variables like suicidal ideation since completed suicide cannot be experimentally investigated. Researchers often conduct research on suicidal ideation and behaviour as a quantifiable predictor of suicide risk consequent upon the aforementioned submission. Suicidal behaviour has received growing attention in recent years, especially among undergraduate populations where, exposure to social and psychological stressors are prevalent. This research investigated the predictive roles of self-esteem and cyberbullying on suicidal ideation among undergraduates of Olabisi Onabanjo University. A cross-sectional survey design was employed. Structured questionnaires were administered to 398 students selected using stratified random sampling techniques, of which 389 valid responses were analysed. Standardized instruments including the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the Cyberbullying and Online Aggression Survey (victimization section), and the Suicidal Ideation Scale were used to measure the study variables. Data were analyzed using multiple regression analysis. The regression model was statistically significant [F (2,386) = 138.73, P<.001], indicating that self-esteem and cyberbullying jointly predicted suicidal ideation. The model explained 41.2% of the variance in suicidal ideation. Cyberbullying emerged as a significant independent predictor (β = .65, P<.001), whereas self-esteem was not a significant predictor. Cyberbullying showed a strong positive predictive effect on suicidal ideation. Cyberbullying appears to be an important risk factor associated with suicidal ideation among undergraduates. Strengthening anti-cyberbullying policies and promoting mental health support services within universities may help reduce suicidal ideation among students. This study contributes to growing evidence on digital mental health risk factors among university students in developing countries.
