Youth suicide in Hong Kong Failure of the Society - Essay Example

? Youth Suicide in Hong Kong: Failure of the Society of the of the Introduction Suicide by human beings is one of the extreme and harshest realities of the society. Even then, millions of people end their lives every day throughout the world. According to a report by W.H.O. (2008), in year 200, one million people have died by suicide, and 10 to 20 times more individuals are estimated to have attempted suicide (Van Orden, Witte, Cukrowicz, Braithwaite, Selby & Joiner, 2010, p.575). However, the country that is experiencing the problem of suicidal behaviour most is Hong Kong. The more concerning thing is that it is found mostly among the young people of Hong Kong. According to Yip (1997), suicide is the leading cause of death among young people in Hong Kong (Lam, Stewart, Yip, Leung, Ho, Ho, & Lee, 2004, p. 467). Sadly, the rates of suicide in Hong Kong appear to be rising (Lam et al., 2004, p. 487). Numerous studies have been conducted by sociologists to find out the root cause of suicide in youth of Hong Kong. It has been found that along with internal factors like psychological problems, the major cause of suicidal behaviour is the external social factors. Even though suicide is a personal and intimate decision, it is only when a person loses hope in self and in the people around him that he decides to end his own life. Hence, the problem of suicidal behaviour in youth of Hong Kong is not just a personal issue but is a social problem, as an individual commits suicide not when he loses faith in self, but when he loses hope of getting any support or help from the society and the outside world in case of failure and misery in his personal life. Definition of ‘Social Problem’ Any human being, who is an integral part of the society, looks to other people when he needs some help, support or love. However, many times society fails to extend its support to the individuals in need. The act of suicide unmasks the cruel face and harsh truth of the society. A healthy society is possible only when people living in the society are healthy and happy in their personal and social lives. This helps the society to progress, and to maintain peace. However, when a certain group of the society faces problems, then the peaceful existence of the society gets disrupted and this hampers the progress of the society. To prevent disharmony in the society, it is necessary to understand if a particular problem existing in lives of people, is actually a ‘social problem’ or not. Hence, understanding what constitutes a ‘social problem’ is important. According to sociologists, a ‘social problem’ can be defined as “an alleged situation that is incompatible with the values of the significant number of people who agree that action is needed to alter the situation” (Rubington & Weinberg, 2011, p.3). In other words, social problem is “a social condition that a segment of society views as harmful to members of society and in need of remedy” (Mooney, Knox, & Schacht, 2012, p. 24). Looking at the definitions of ‘social problem,’ it is clear that for a problem to be considered as a ‘social problem,’ it has to fit into two criteria. The first is the objective criterion, which says that the condition that is considered a problem has to actually exist in the society (Mooney, Knox, & Schacht, 2012, p. 24). The second criterion, which is the subjective element of the definition, is that people should believe that the problem is harmful to the members of the society and hence, is needed to be changed (Mooney, Knox, & Schacht, 2012, p. 24). This shows that for a condition to be considered as a ‘social problem,’ it has to not only exist, but should also be considered and perceived as threat by the members of the society. Hence, to understand if the social condition of prevalence of youth suicidal behaviour in Hong Kong is a social problem or not, it is necessary to study the different aspects of prevalence of suicidal behaviour in youth of Hong Kong, to see if the two criteria of ‘social problem’ are found in the condition. Prevalence of Youth Suicide Numerous studies have been conducted to understand the intensity of prevalence of suicidal behaviour and suicide among young people in Hong Kong. The results of these studies have brought forth grim realities about the internal and external pressure that youth in Hong Kong experience. Fong (1993) conducted a study on 316 secondary school students in Hong Kong, to study the suicidal ideation and attempted suicide in adolescents in Hong Kong, and found that 3.8% of the respondents had attempted suicide in the past (Shek, 1996, p.174). The percentage of subjects, who had entertained the idea of suicide once in the past or were having suicide ideation, was 41.8% (Shek, 1996, p.174). In the review of the statistics of death of young people, Lo (1985) found that among those who died from all causes, the suicide cases in 15-24 and 25-34 age bracket were 16.8% and 18.3%, respectively (Shek, 1996, p.174). It was also found that when suicide cases in all age brackets were compared, these two figures showed the highest level (Shek, 1996, p.174). Lo also found that the age group which was most vulnerable to attempted suicide was 15-24 as 42% of all the cases of attempted suicide belonged to this age group (Shek, 1996, p.174). This proves that it is the aspects related to youth and adolescence in Hong Kong that is causing harm and suicidal behaviour pattern in them. Youth in Hong Kong are becoming weaker and more vulnerable to the suicidal behaviour due to youth related issues. However, to understand the root cause of the problem, it is necessary to understand the risk factors of the suicidal behavior in youth of Hong Kong. Risk factors An extensive review of literature related to suicidal behaviour in young people in Hong Kong by Bridge et al., (2006) revealed that internalizing and externalizing of mental disorders were the two sets of vulnerabilities that led to suicidal behaviour in adolescents in Hong Kong (Wan & Leung, 2010, p. 580). Hence, it is necessary to understand both, the internal and the external risk factors of suicidal behaviour in youth of Hong Kong. Internal Factors Mental disorders or psychological disturbances are found to be one of the strongest risk factor for suicidal behaviour in adolescents and young people in Hong Kong. In a study conducted by Hong Kong Council of Social Service (1982), using the Mooney Problem Checklist, it was found that 8.11% of children in age group of 16 or below and 7.06% of adolescents in age group of 17 and above, were potential clients for mental health treatment (Shek, 1996, p.172). Also, on an average, 7.81% of young people were found to be mentally disturbed and having potential for being client of psychological treatment (Shek, 1996, p.172). A study of adolescent students in Chai Wan conducted by Chan (1983), using the similar Checklist, revealed that the percentage of students who were identified as needing case counselling was 10% (Shek, 1996, p.172). In year 1986, another study was conducted by Leung, Salili and Baber in which they found that aspects like schooling, examination, fear of failure and poor academic performance were the great cause of repeated concern in the minds of adolescents (Shek, 1996, p.172). The negativity and impact of the life stressors are inflated by the internalization of psychological problems like anxiety and depression (Wan & Leung, 2010, p. 580). These studies show that pressure of competition and to perform well is so strong and heavy on adolescents that it causes heavy mental disturbance and emotional distress in them. It has been found that there is a strong prevalence of psychiatric problems and symptoms in adolescents of Hong Kong (Shek, 1996, p.172). Shek (1988), in a large scale epidemiological study based on the Liker scoring method to study the mental health of secondary school students in Hong Kong, found that the percentage of students who could be regarded as probable psychiatric cases was 23.7%, and the percentage of students who could be considered psychologically “at risk” was 63.7% (Shek, 1996, p.172). Another study using Liker scoring procedure was conducted by ‘The Research Team on Youth Development’ (1989) on 1,500 secondary school students in Hong Kong, in which stress and unhappiness was reported by significant number of respondents (Shek, 1996, p.172). Cheung and Lee (1984), in their study of anxiety in Hong Kong students from secondary school, found that compared to their American counterparts, the anxiety level of the students from Hong Kong was much higher (Shek, 1996, p.172). In another study, Shek (1991) found that the percentage of Hong Kong students suffering from depression was much higher than their Western counterparts, as 53% of students were found to be suffering from mild, moderate or severe level of depression (Shek, 1996, p.172). This shows that the prevalence of psychological problems like stress, depression, anxiety, fear etc., is very strong in adolescents. Hence, it is not surprising to find that internal factors like psychological problems work as a major risk factor in development of suicidal behaviour in adolescents in Hong Kong. External Factors Psychosocial factors have major role to play in the prevalence of suicidal behaviour, suicidal acts and suicides in Hong King. According to CSRP (2005), between the years 1997 to 2003, when the socio-economic condition in Hong Kong was adverse, there was 50% increase in the rates of suicide (Chen et al, 2006, p.815). Psychosocial factors like “unemployment, indebtedness, social support, psychiatric illness, and history of past suicide attempts” were identified as significantly and independently responsible factors contributing to the suicidal behaviour and suicides in youth of Hong Kong (Chen et al, 2006, p.815). Young people are found indulging in risky and dangerous behaviour to express their problems of impulsivity, aggression and defiance, which in turn increases the intensity and frequency of experience of life stressors (Wan & Leung, 2010, p. 580). Moreover, when adolescents suffer from problems like addiction or disciplinary actions, then even the moderate life stressors like relationship problems causes major negative impact on them and create extreme distress (Gabbard, 2007, p.21). This leads to indulgence in suicidal behavior. Fergusson et al. (2000) has found that even after adjusting to other important factors of suicidal behaviour, the life stressors like breaking up with girlfriend/boyfriend or facing a serious disciplinary action become strong reasons for serious suicidal behaviour in young people (Gabbard, 2007, p.21). Kaltiala-Heino et al., (1999) has found that the risk of suicidal ideation increases in cases of bullying (Gabbard, 2007, p.21). Even social factors like “social isolation, low self-esteem, dysfunctional parenting or family environment, cultural beliefs and repeated exposure to violence” are identified as strong risk factors for development of suicidal behaviour in young people (Miller, 2011, p. 62). This shows that even if an adolescent or a young person is psychologically healthy, the social factors in his environment have the potential to cause him distress and make him suicidal in his behaviour. The study of risk factors of suicidal behaviour in youth of Hong Kong proves that not only the internal problems like psychological distress, but also the external factors related to the elements of society and environment, are strongly associated with suicidal behaviour. Many sociological theories have found strong association between anti-social behaviour in young people and the social conditions. One such theory is the “social disorganization theory.” Social Disorganization Theory The sociological theory that can explain the prevalence of suicidal behaviour in youth of Hong Kong is the ‘social disorganization theory’. In the twentieth century, sociologists Clifford Shaw and Henry McKay formulated the social disorganization theory for the first time (Siegel & Welsh, 2012, p. 135). These scholars found that there was a strong relation between delinquency rates and neighborhood. They found that in the areas that had changed from affluence to decay, which they called ‘transitional neighborhood,’ the rates of delinquency were high (Siegel & Welsh, 2012, p. 135). The teenagers in these areas form “gangs as means of survival, defense, and friendship” (Siegel & Welsh, 2012, p. 136). Sadly, the delinquent tradition is passed from one generation to next through the recruitment of young members by the gang leaders (Siegel & Welsh, 2012, p. 136). This process of passing on the delinquent behaviour pattern from one generation to next is known as ‘cultural transmission’ (Siegel & Welsh, 2012, p. 136).However, what really is the peak aspect of Shaw and McKay’s study is their finding about the root cause of delinquent behaviour. Shaw and McKay, while mapping delinquency rates in Chicago, found that delinquency rates were stable across different areas, and did not change in many years (Siegel & Welsh, 2012, p. 136). The areas which were occupied by people who were from lower socioeconomic status, transitional and inner-city zones, were concentrated with heaviest delinquency rates (Siegel & Welsh, 2012, p. 136). It was found that the zones that were least prone to delinquency were the ones which were farthest from the centre of the city (Siegel & Welsh, 2012, p. 136). Also, it was found that this pattern of stable delinquency rates as per the economic conditions of the areas was consistent over the period of 65 years (Siegel & Welsh, 2012, p. 136). Interestingly, even when people from different ethnic and racial background moved to these zones, these patterns remained the same (Siegel & Welsh, 2012, p. 136). These findings proved that it is not the personal characteristics or the cultural background of the residents, but the neighborhood, that was responsible for the delinquency behaviour pattern that prevailed in young people (Siegel & Welsh, 2012, p. 136). These finding led Shaw and McKay to formulate the ‘social disorganization theory.’ Study by Shaw and McKay proved that social disorganization leads to delinquency and self destructive behaviour in young people of the society. The neighborhoods that are disorganized are wracked by deterioration, lack of resources and economic failures, and hence, are incapable of social control and self-sufficiency (Siegel & Welsh, 2012, p. 136). Shaw and McKay concluded that social disorganization is also suffered by those areas whose residents experience continuous poverty and unemployment (Siegel & Welsh, 2012, p. 136). This in turn increases the risk of development of delinquency in youth of the disadvantageous communities. This shows that negative and self destructive behaviour patterns in young people is not a result of personal issues, but is the result of disadvantageous social environment and lack of social support. As the social disorganization theory explains the roots of self destructive behaviour in youth of the society, it can be used in explaining the prevalence of suicidal behaviour in youth of Hong Kong. There are many social aspects that are found to be associated with the suicidal behaviour and suicide acts among the youth in Hong Kong. Social Aspects of Youth Suicide Studies have found that the social aspects related to the suicide among young people throughout the world changes according to the region. Social aspects like culture, social response, gender expectation etc., play a major role in the ways the youth in the society behave. Surprisingly, even the self-destructive and ‘personal’ issue like suicide is found to be shaped by these social aspects. Gender Expectations A marked difference has been observed in suicidal behaviour of male and female adolescents throughout the world. The rate of mortality due to suicide among young females exceeds that of young males in Hong Kong (Forman-Brunell, 2011, p.617). On the contrary, in the US, adolescent males are more likely to die as a result of suicidal act than the adolescent females (Forman-Brunell, 2011, p.617). This difference in the mortality rates between male and female adolescents from different cultures and countries is explained through the theory of ‘cultural scripts’. It has been observed that the actual behaviour pattern of people from different cultures differs as it depends on the social expectations that are prevalent in those cultures (Forman-Brunell, 2011, p.618). It has been found that the behaviour pattern which is deemed meaningful, and is permissible in the community, is usually displayed by the individuals in the community (Forman-Brunell, 2011, p.618). Hence, even the suicidal behaviour is carried out in a way which is acceptable by the society. The cultural specific conditions, under which the suicidal behaviour is expected, and the cultural specific ways to commit suicide, are known as scripts of suicidal behaviour (Forman-Brunell, 2011, p.618). Almost all the aspects of suicidal behaviour in adolescents, i.e. the person displaying suicidal behaviour, the scenario, the method and the theme, are influenced by the ‘script of suicidal behaviour,’ which is based on the cultural background of the society (Forman-Brunell, 2011, p.618). Interestingly, even the reactions and consequences of suicidal behaviour in the society are cultural specific (Forman-Brunell, 2011, p.618). This shows that even though suicidal behaviour is developed due to personal problems, by showing acceptance and permissiveness of the behaviour, the society plays a major role in shaping the suicidal behaviour in adolescents. Method The method of suicide also differs according to the cultural, social and environmental factors. The choice of method of suicide among young people is highly influenced by the availability and access to the means of suicide (Kelleher & Chambers, 2003, p. 173). For example in Hong Kong, jumping from heights is a common method of suicide due to the availability of (and access to) considerable density of high rise buildings (Kelleher & Chambers, 2003, p. 173). According to Ho (1996), two third of suicides committed in age group of under 30-year-old, between 1990 to 1992, were by jumping from high rise buildings (Kelleher & Chambers, 2003, p. 173). However, adolescents in the US are found to use different method of suicide. According to Lipschitz (1995), more than half of the youth suicides in the US are committed with the help of fire arms as there is relatively easy access to it due to unrestrictive gun licensing laws (Kelleher & Chambers, 2003, p. 173). This shows that the methods of suicide depend on the social and environmental condition of the person who is committing suicide. Hence, it will not be wrong to say that even though the suicidal behaviour and the act of suicide are result of personal problem, the roots of it lie in the environmental and social factors. Solution Adolescence is a time of confusion, changes and formation of new social identity. Due to the physical, psychological, emotional and social problems that occur during adolescence, young people often go though a lot of stress. The changes and conflict in personality often lead to experience of negative events in life (Portzky & Heeringen, 2010, p.243). In these challenging times, social support can play a crucial role in providing protection and shield against the stressful situations related to adolescence (Portzky & Heeringen, 2010, p.243). However, it has been found that the source of social support matters when it comes to reducing the suicidal behaviour in young people (Portzky & Heeringen, 2010, p.243). Evidence has indicated that different source of social support have different effects on the suicidal behaviour in young people (Portzky & Heeringen, 2010, p.243). In the follow-up study of adolescents suffering from suicidal problems, it has been found that if they get low support from families, their chances of indulging in suicidal behaviour after 6 months of treatment, and in adulthood, increases (Portzky & Heeringen, 2010, p.243). Hence, low support from family members proves to be most detrimental in the recovery of young people suffering from suicidal behaviour (Portzky & Heeringen, 2010, p.243). In other study, Cumsille and Epstein found that depression in adolescents is more strongly related to low support from family than low support from other relationships (Portzky & Heeringen, 2010, p.243). Another study in Hong King found that the support from family and friends lowered the suicidal behaviour, which was strongly predicted by depression, substance abuse and self destructive attitude in adolescents (Portzky & Heeringen, 2010, p.243). However, it also revealed that compared to the peer support, family support brought about more positive and stronger effects on suicidal behaviour in adolescents (Portzky & Heeringen, 2010, p.243). Study by Kidd et al., found that the factor that plays the strongest role in protecting adolescents from suicide attempt and the suicidal behaviour, is the positive relationship with their parents (Portzky & Heeringen, 2010, p.243). This shows that family can become a strong pillar for foundation of healthy development of young people and complete recovery from suicidal behaviour. Hence, the solution to the problem of suicidal behaviour in youth of Hong Kong lies in strong and positive relationship of children with their parents and families. Conclusion The discussion above shows that suicide and suicidal behaviour in youth of Hong Kong is strongly associated with the external factors. There is a strong need for the change in the way the parents, family and the people in the society behave and treat the youth of the society. The problem of suicidal behaviour in youth of Honk Kong can be removed only when the society understands that suicidal behaviour is not just the personal issue of an individual, but is a social problem, and when immediate steps are taken to resolve it. References Chen, E.H. et al. (2006). Suicide in Hong Kong: a case-control psychological autopsy study. Psychological Medicine, 36, 815–825. Forman-Brunell, M. (2001). Girlhood in America: An encyclopedia, volume 1. Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO, Inc. Gabbard, G.O. (2007). Gabbard’s treatments of psychiatric disorders (4th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing, Inc. Kelleher, M.J. & Chambers, D. (2003). 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