The Relationship between the ways of coping with stress and suicide probability among the students at Karaelmas University in Zonguldak

ABSTRACT THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE WAYS OF COPING WITH STRESS AND SUICIDE PROBABILITY AMONG THE STUDENTS AT KARAELMAS UNIVERSITY IN ZONGULDAK NESLİHAN PARTLAK The aim of this study is to find out the relationship between the ways of coping with stress and the suicide probability among the students at Karaelmas University in Zonguldak. The study was carried out with 293 the first and the fourth year students in 2001-2002 academic years. The data was collected with a questionnaire containing socio-demographic properties and was evaluated with Coping Style Inventory (CSI) and Suicide Probability Scale (SPS). Multiple correlation, regression analysis and significance test between the two mean values were used in the evaluation. There was no statistically significant difference between their semester years and suicide probability grades(p>0.05). When their semester years and the ways of coping with stress were analysed, it was statistically found that the fourth year students used the way of self confidence more significantly (p<0.05). When the relationship between the ways of coping with stress and the suicide probability were examined, it was found that there was a 18 % reduction in the suicide probability among those using the way of self confidence (p<0.05). The reduction was 13 % among the ones using the way of optimism (p<0.05). When the suicide probability and the way of feeling hopeless were analysed, suicide probability was found to increase 33 % (p<0.05). The analysis of the suicide probability and the way of yielding to stress showed that there was a 6 % increase in the suicide probability (p<0.05). There was not a statistical significance between the suicide probability and the way of seeking a social support in multiple correlation analysis (p>0.05). Depending on the results of the study, it has been recommended that group studies encouraging self-confidence and effective coping programs should be organised by the Medico-Social and Health Centres at the universities. Key words: Coping with Stress, Suicide Probability, Adolescent, University Students, Nursing.