FAMILY ENVIRONMENT AMONG ADOLESCENTS WITH LOW AND SEVERE SUICIDAL IDEATION

In this study an attempt was made to find the difference in family environment between female and male adolescents with low and severe suicidal ideation. It was hypothesised that there will be significant difference between gender of low and severe suicidal ideation. A sample of 120 college going students of age varying between 16-19 years were selected from three different colleges of Bengaluru. Modified Scale for Suicidal Ideation (MSSI- Miller) was administered and students were classified into low and severe suicidal ideation adolescents based on the scoring system of Modified Scale for Suicidal Ideation. 30 each of males and females respectively belonging to categories of low and severe suicidal ideation group was selected were considered for the study (total sample being 120). Family Environment Questionnaire (Bhatia and Chadha) which measured 8 dimensions on family was administered. The results were analysed using t test to study the significant difference in family environment for low and severe suicidal ideation between the genders. The findings indicated that significant difference found only on the family dimension of recreational orientation for male and female with low suicidal ideation. Females and males with severe suicidal ideation differed significantly on different dimensions of family environment except on the areas of family conflict and organization