A Phenomenological Exploration of the Perceived Causes of Suicidal Ideations among School-Going Adolescents in Central Uganda

The study aimed to explore the perceived causes of suicidal ideations among school going adolescents. The population was comprised of a school administrator, a school counsellor, a school chaplain, a teacher and students. The sample size was 16 and respondents, selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected using both key informant interviews and focus group discussions. Data were analysed using narratives and thematic analysis methods. The findings show that suicidal ideations are caused by school-based, home-based, personal, social and technological factors. The study concludes that suicidal ideations are determined by factors related to parenting, self–esteem, relationships, social media, academic pressure, gender, and last but not least, spiritual drivers. Hence, interventions geared towards reducing suicidal ideations should focus on involving parents, boosting self-esteem, offering guidance on healthy relationships, encouraging healthy peer groups, regulating social media usage, reducing academic pressure and offering spiritual guidance. Parenting should be intentional and teachers should prioritize not only creating safe and supportive learning environments but also interpersonal connections with their learners. At community level, adolescent mental health must be prioritized so as to aim at a future where no parent or larger community will have to face and endure the pain of losing a child to suicide. Keywords: Suicidal Ideations, Suicide, Adolescents, School-Going Adolescents, Uganda