Causal Factor for Depression, Anxiety, and Suicides Among Youths in Society

Chapter 1: Introduction

1.1 Background

Hamilton (2008) confirms that the search for an ideal body type has become an area of interests especially for a significant number of women around the world. Failure to achieve the ideal has always been devastating for women and even youths in their adolescent. Luxton et al. (2012) confirmed that most of the suicidal attempts are normally caused by low body image. Some of the studies conducted in the past indicate that low body image leads to a decrease in the image perceptions as well as worsen the rates of depression. Some of the women have gone to an extent of comparing their shapes with those of the media personalities, which makes them to go for plastic surgery. Therefore, the perception the body image triggers certain perceptions that can either be aligned to pride or lead to anxiety, depression and suicidal attempts at the same time. While most of the researchers would try to connect body image to moods and perceptions, rare studies have generated a direct link between body image and depression or suicidal attempts.

1.2 Problem statement

Incidents of suicidal attempts have been linked to depression or mental disorders. However, there is a rising need to observe body image as a causal factor to anxiety and suicidal attempts.

1.3 Research Aim and Objectives

The main aim of this research is to investigate how the body image can be reasoned as the causal factor to suicidal attempts, anxiety and depression across most youths. The supporting objectives include

• To discuss the elements of body image that can trigger perceptions
• To explore how body image can lead to anxiety and depression
• To establish a direct link between body image and suicidal attempts
• To establish the relationship between the elements of body image and suicide, anxiety and depression

1.4 Hypotheses

• Elements of body image trigger perceptions
• Body image is directly linked to depression and anxiety
• Suicidal attempts are not linked to body image

1.5 Structure of the thesis

Chapter one looks at the introduction while the second chapter will concentrate on the literature review. The third chapter will focus on the collection of methods that define the research process. The fourth chapter will concentrate on the findings and analysis as the last chapter concludes the research process.

Chapter 2: Literature Review

The chapter will look at the methodological and theoretical contributions that are made by other researchers and scholars towards the research topic.

Chapter 3: Research Methodology

The research will lean on the qualitative research method and document records as the key tools.

3.1 Research Approach

• Deductive approach

3.2 Research Design

• Horizontal design

3.3 Research method

• Qualitative research method

3.4 Data collection process

• Primary research
• Use of questionnaire

3.5 Data Analysis

• Analysis by use of SPSS

Chapter 4: Findings and Analysis

• Findings will be recorded from the document records that would have carried the right details. This may further include case studies, which may have key figures that cannot be cited without attribution.

Chapter 5: Conclusion and Recommendation

References

• Luxton, D.D., June, J.D. and Fairall, J.M., 2012. Social media and suicide: a public health perspective. American journal of public health, 102(S2), pp.S195-S200.
• Hamilton, S.R., 2008. A relationship between perceived body image and depression: How college women see themselves may affect depression. Stud J Psychol, 1, pp.13-20.