Teachers’ Voices on Student Suicide: A Qualitative Study in Dir Lower, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Abstract

The finishing of own life and being aware of the consequences before doing this act is common globally. This is not a chronic pandemic or calamity, but still people according to WHO 16.7 people per one lakh attempt suicide. Globally numerous researchers carried out studies to know the causes of suicide. In addition to that, the current research is conducted in Malakand Division District Dir lower to understand the causes of suicide through teacher perspectives. A qualitative research methodology was adopted for this study. While in-depth interviews were conducted with 17 teachers, the data was thematically analyzed. The research revealed that academic pressure, parental expectations of high grades, family dynamics, feelings of low worth (inferiority complex), and deprivation were the leading causes of student suicide. It has been suggested by the researchers, that awareness sessions of mental health/problems, establishment of psycho-social support centers in educational institutions, personalized educational approach, and development of a supportive family environment to minimize these problems to a high extent.