The Role of the Media and Self-Compassion in Enhancing Mental Health and Preventing Suicide among Nigerian Youth: A Literature Review

Aledeh, Sulaiman; Sokan-Adeaga, Adewale Allen; Adam, Habib; Aledeh, Muhammad; Kotera, Yasuhiro

Abstract

In this review, we examine the impact of media and self-compassion on the mental well-being of Nigerian youth, particularly in suicide prevention and promoting positive mental health outcomes. Nigeria faces socioeconomic challenges contributing to poor mental health and high suicide rates among young people. Despite this, the influence of media and self-compassion interventions on mental health remains largely unexplored. The research questions centred on how media exposure enhances mental health awareness and resilience building, as well as the role of self-compassion in preventing suicide. Seven studies employing various methodologies such as interviews, surveys, and experimental designs were identified from the Scopus and Google Scholar databases and were analysed. The results indicated the significant role of media in health communication and education, while self-compassion interventions show promise in enhancing mental health resilience. Recommendations include utilising media for mental health education and support services, particularly targeting youth. This synthesis offers insights for policymakers, stakeholders, and educational institutions to integrate media-based mental health interventions into their strategies.

Citation

Aledeh, S., Sokan-Adeaga, A. A., Adam, H., Aledeh, M., & Kotera, Y. (2024). The Role of the Media and Self-Compassion in Enhancing Mental Health and Preventing Suicide among Nigerian Youth: A Literature Review. Psychology International, 6(2), 618-635. https://doi.org/10.3390/psycholint6020037

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: May 16, 2024
• Online Publication Date: May 21, 2024
• Publication Date: May 21, 2024
• Deposit Date: May 25, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: May 28, 2024
• Journal: Psychology International
• Electronic ISSN: 2813-9844
• Publisher: MDPI
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 6
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 618-635
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/psycholint6020037
• Keywords: socio-political and socioeconomic; crisis and insecurity; corruption; resource mismanagement; unemployment; poverty; mental health; suicide prevention; mass media; self-compassion
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/35160271
• Publisher URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2813-9844/6/2/37