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Open Access 23 June 2025

A phenomenological inquiry of stressful life events, personality factors and mental illness contributing to suicidality among youth in Khyber Pakhtukhwa, Pakistan

Nasar Khan
Imran Ali
Arab Naz
Sohima Aznak
https://doi.org/10.61727/sssppj/1.2025.33
Pages: 33-38
Received 07.03.2025
Revised 20.05.2025
Accepted 23.06.2025

Abstract

Relevance of the issue of suicidal behaviour among youth had been underscored by its growing prevalence and the lack of comprehensive studies into psychological factors within specific cultural and regional contexts. Particular attention had been needed to explore the subjective experiences of individuals who had encountered suicidal ideation. The aim of this study had been to identify psychological factors contributing to suicidality among youth in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, through the analysis of personal experience. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, semi-structured in-depth interviews had been conducted with 19 purposively selected participants. An interview guide had been used for data collection, while thematic analysis had been applied to identify recurring themes within the participants’ narratives. It had been found that external stressors – such as romantic failures, poor academic achievement, and job loss – had played a significant role in triggering suicidal tendencies among young individuals. Personality traits including impulsive aggression, neuroticism, and perfectionism had also been identified as influential contributors. The analysis had further revealed the prevalence of symptoms commonly associated with mental health disorders, such as persistent sadness, hopelessness, agitation, and mood instability, which collectively had heightened the risk of suicidality. These findings had reflected the intricate interplay between environmental stressors, individual personality characteristics, and emotional distress in the development of suicidal behaviour. The practical value of the study had lain in its applicability for mental health professionals, social workers, and educators in identifying at-risk youth and designing targeted prevention and intervention strategies tailored to their psychological and cultural context

personality traits psychological distress psychopathology suicidal behaviour self-destructive behaviour

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Suggested citation

Khan, N., Ali, I., Naz, A., & Aznak, S. (2025). A phenomenological inquiry of stressful life events, personality factors and mental illness contributing to suicidality among youth in Khyber Pakhtukhwa, Pakistan. Scientific Studios on Social and Political Psychology, 31(1), 33-38. https://doi.org/10.61727/sssppj/1.2025.33

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