EVALUATING THE ROLE OF SCHOOL COUNSELORS IN ASSESSING AND MANAGING SUICIDE PRONENESS AMONG IN-SCHOOL ADOLESCENTS IN LAGOS STATE
Abstract
Suicide rates have been on the rise in Nigeria, particularly among adolescents. This study aimed to assess and manage suicide proneness among in-school adolescents in Lagos state, Nigeria. A quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test control group design was used, with data collected using life attitude scales, depression inventory, and modified scales for suicide ideation. The study found that both dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT) significantly reduced depression and suicide ideation among in-school adolescents prone to suicide. The study recommends that school counselors acquire skills in DBT and IPT to manage adolescents with suicide proneness. This study highlights the importance of assessment in identifying factors that predispose individuals to suicide and the use of psychotherapeutic interventions to manage depressive and maladaptive behaviors of adolescents prone to suicide.