THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN DEANS OF STUDENTS' ATTITUDES TOWARD SUICIDE AND THEIR BASES OF POWER

Abstract

This study investigated the associations between attitudes toward suicide and bases of power in university administrators known as Deans of Students (DOS). The National Association for Student Personnel Administrators, the professional association of higher education administrators in student affairs, provided the survey population for this study. Instrumentation included an electronic web-based survey comprising of 9 items from the Attitudes toward Suicide Questionnaire, 15 items from the Power Base Inventory, and 2 demographic questions pertaining to gender and highest degree earned. Results of the one-sample chi-square analysis found DOS' expertise, legitimate, and reward powers is related their belief that suicide can be prevented. In addition, DOS' expertise power is related to their belief that suicide should be condemned. Results of independent sample t-tests found no significance between DOS' gender and attitudes toward suicide and gender and bases of power.