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Graduate School Journal

Volume no. 8 | 2020
Issue no. 1


Title
SUICIDE, RISK FACTORS, AND HOPE IN JAY ASHER’S THIRTEEN REASONS WHY
Author
Retchie Macalalad
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Downloads: 4
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Abstract
Adolescence is an incredibly potent period characterized by turmoil and tension in human's life. In contemporary society, growing social and emotional needs that are not addressed result in adverse teenage outcomes such as substance abuse, early pregnancy, nervous and aggressive behavior, and suicide. These problems necessitate interventions that promote positive behaviors. As Young Adult literature capitalizes on mature and sensitive issues and topics relevant to teens, it furnishes them with more critical ways of understanding themselves, the world, and their place. Employing the descriptive method through content analysis, the researcher explored suicide and its risk factors and sought to position the novel as a means for bibliotherapy, healing through literature. Similarly, it looked into the author's employment of literary elements, characterization, setting, plot, and theme in presenting the suicide risks. It also examined the emerging YA narrative devices utilized to establish death in the novel. Equally important, the study delved into how the author brought forth hope and inspiration from a dark-themed narrative. Formalistic, psychological, and reader response approaches were also utilized in the analysis. The findings revealed that the author exercised a responsible and sensible style in his portrayal of suicide. The risk factors included community and relationship and individual risk factors that cumulatively heightened suicide risks. The characters and setting principally influenced the course of the narrative. Emerging narrative devices were found present in the novel. While it was tragic in theme, it still embedded with hope and inspiration. Consequently, this study recommended the inclusion of Young Adult literature in the classroom as a tool to understand and respond to young adults' struggles.
Keywords
Literature, Suicide, Content Analysis, Batangas City, Philippines
References
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