Adolescent Suicidal Behavior: Between Academic Stress And Psychological Vulnerability

Suicide remains a distressing global public health concern, manifesting with particular complexity within the Algerian sociocultural context. Understanding this phenomenon necessitates an in-depth analysis, especially among middle and high school adolescents facing escalating academic pressures. This study employs a critical analytical approach, utilizing a qualitative theoretical review integrated with field observations from the Algerian educational landscape. This article explores the dynamic interplay between educational systemic stressors—notably examination-related anxiety and intense competition surrounding the Middle School Certificate (BEM) and Baccalaureate exams (BAC)—and the decline in adolescent mental health, which often precipitates suicidal ideation and behaviors. By analysing various theoretical frameworks in psychology, this study highlights the psychological processes through which academic pressure leads to feelings of despair and social withdrawal. Furthermore, it provides a comprehensive discussion of the role of protective factors, including psychological resilience and adaptive coping mechanism., in mitigating these adverse effects. The analysis emphasises that comprehending these complex dynamics is a prerequisite for formulating integrated preventive strategies that target both school and family environments. This necessitates a multidisciplinary collaboration between educational policymakers, clinical psychologists, and community stakeholders.