Self-destructive behaviour among Taiwanese young people

Lee, I-Ling (2010) Self-destructive behaviour among Taiwanese young people. PhD thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

This research aims to find out the factors as well as the mechanism of young people’s self-destructive behaviour in Taiwan. The research employed a mixed methodology- both quantitative and qualitative research methods. In the quantitative study, a self-reported questionnaire survey was carried out to investigate the individual and social factors that affected suicidality and self-harm among young people (N= 1043) aged 14-18. In the qualitative study, 20 semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with professionals to find out the mechanism of self-destructive behaviour.

The results show that females are more vulnerable to self-destructive behaviours than males, but male suicide attempt is increasing. Self-destructive behaviour is shaped by a range of social, cultural and individual factors. General mental health and beliefs about death are the two individual factors that are highly related to young people’s self-destructive behaviour. Better general health and positive belief about death indicate lower risk of self-destructive behaviour. Social factors such as family interaction, peer relationship, traditional value, economic optimism and social-political security are five important factors to affect young people’s self-destructive behaviour. Close and supportive family interactions help reduce the risk of self-destructive behaviour. However, closer peer relationship may increase the likelihood of self-destructive behaviour because of copycat behaviour, imitation or altruistic behaviour. Holding more traditional values, young people may result in bearing many pressures during the current economic recession period.

• Item Type: Thesis (PhD)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Keywords: self-destructive behaviour, suicidality, self-harm, family interaction, traditional values, individualism, optimism, locus of control, general health, belief about death, economic optimism, social-political security.
• Subjects: H Social Sciences > HM Sociology; H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare; H Social Sciences > HN Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform; H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General)
• Colleges/Schools: College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Sociology Anthropology and Applied Social Sciences
• Supervisor's Name: Reith, Prof. Gerda and Furlong, Prof. Andy
• Date of Award: 2010
• Depositing User: Miss I-Ling Lee
• Unique ID: glathesis:2010-2150
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 01 Oct 2010
• Last Modified: 10 Dec 2012 13:52
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/2150