Authors
PhD in Public Health, Deputy CEO for Academic Affairs at Nazareth & Galilee College
Master’s student in Clinical Psychology from An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
Abstract
Adolescence is characterized by a variety of changes, which may have substantial implications for the identity, self-definition, and psychological characteristics of adolescents. The wide scope of changes during this developmental stage and the internal reorganization often causes them to develop new thoughts about life and death. This process can gain momentum for them, especially when they are exposed to many stressful events and when their mental well-being is low.
The present study examined the influence of self-identity and mental well-being on negative attitudes toward life among Jewish, Christian, and Muslim adolescents and young adults living in the State of Israel. The study examined the negative attitudes toward life of 437 adolescents (ages 15-18) and young adults in the emerging adulthood stage (ages 21-24), while controlling for various personal variables, such as: clarity of self-concept, the number of stressful events that the adolescents and young adults were exposed to, positive self-perception, and psychological well-being. The study findings suggest that the lower the clarity of self-identity, the lower the self-well-being and positive perception toward life will be. As a result, adolescents and young adults may adopt negative attitudes toward life, which may lead to suicidal behaviors and suicide. The study findings contribute to a better understanding of the process of sliding into negative attitudes toward life, attitudes that may even arouse suicidal thoughts, which may encourage adolescent and young adults to commit a suicidal act. Therefore, it is sometimes possible to identify a connection between negative attitudes and stressful events, which affect clarity of self-identity. The personal identity of the adolescent and young adult and their mental well-being, which in turn may affect the level of depression and even suicide attempts. In addition, differences were found between the groups in exposure to stressful events, which affect personal well-being and negative attitudes towards life.
The article concludes with practical implications for the areas of prevention and intervention among adolescents.