Published Paper Details:

Adolescence is one of the most crucial stages of human development that is marked by a massive physical, emotional, social, and psychological transformation. Over the past years, there has been integration of digital communication systems (Facebook) in the lives of adolescents. Facebook allows users to create personal profiles, provide personal communication, socialize with others, and find social support in terms of likes, comments, and shares. The tribal adolescents are a socially and culturally different population in the Indian society; tribal adolescents are often marginalized, have limited access to education facilities, and are socio-economically unprivileged. As smartphones and internet penetrate the tribal areas, Facebook usage among the tribal teenagers is increasing significantly. The objective of the current research was to determine the extent, prevalence and the level of suicide ideation among the tribal and the non-tribal adolescents who were using Facebook. The total number of sampled students was 240 adolescent students who represented the various schools in the Palamau division of Garhwa and Daltonganj. The sample was identified through purposive, where the participants were required to fulfil some specified inclusion and exclusion criteria. The tools used were a socio-demographic and clinical data sheet and Suicidal Ideation Scale. The findings showed that there was a variation in suicidal ideation among the groups. The suicidal ideation was found to be higher in non-tribal adolescents than in tribal adolescents. Further, the suicide ideation was found to differ in relation to age and socioeconomic status. Suicidal ideation also varied between the tribal and non- tribal adolescents.