Depression and suicidal ideation among university students

The aim of this study is to verify the relationship between suicidal ideation and depression among college students. This study utilized a survey using simple random sampling methodology involving 65 respondents chosen at random from the residential colleges in University Technology Malaysia, Johor Bahru. The findings indicate that the students' level of suicidal ideation is at the normal stage (m = 10.7). The study also indicates that the level of suicidal ideation among male students is higher (m = 13) compared to female students (m = 7.3). Whereas the level of depression is the same for both sexes. The study also indicates that there is no difference in the level of suicidal ideation and depression among the Malays, Chinese, Indians and other races. The study analysis also verifies that there is significant correlation (r = 0.68) between suicidal ideation and depression. The implication of this study can be seen from the point of view of human development in that; the most important priority is on the students' well-being psychology and mental health in the efforts of building their personalities and improving their achievements in the university. (C) 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.