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Eskin M, Köskün T, Harlak H. Beliefs about suicide prevention by excluding the phenomenon versus the person: The role of cultural orientation, attitudes towards suicide, and social reactions to suicidal persons in Turkish university students. Scand J Psychol 2022; 63:83-90. [PMID: 35028943 DOI: 10.1111/sjop.12792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Eskin
- Department of Psychology, College of Social Sciences and Humanities, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Tolga Köskün
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Aydin Adnan Menderes University, Aydin, Turkey
| | - Hacer Harlak
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Aydin Adnan Menderes University, Aydin, Turkey
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Godi S, Neredumilli P. A cross-sectional study of attitude toward suicide among medical and nonmedical groups from South India. ARCHIVES OF MENTAL HEALTH 2022. [DOI: 10.4103/amh.amh_99_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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3
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Eskin M, Tran US, Carta MG, Poyrazli S, Flood C, Mechri A, Shaheen A, Janghorbani M, Khader Y, Yoshimasu K, Sun JM, Kujan O, Abuidhail J, Aidoudi K, Bakhshi S, Harlak H, Moro MF, Phillips L, Hamdan M, Abuderman A, Tsuno K, Voracek M. Is Individualism Suicidogenic? Findings From a Multinational Study of Young Adults From 12 Countries. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:259. [PMID: 32308634 PMCID: PMC7145967 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The associations of individualistic versus collectivistic value orientations with suicidal ideation and attempts, attitudes towards suicide and towards suicidal individuals, and psychological distress were investigated across 12 nations (N = 5572 university students). We expected differential associations of value orientations with suicidal behavior and moderating effects of the prevailing value orientations in the various countries. Findings showed that intermediate levels of individualism appeared protective against suicide attempts across all investigated nations, but that, otherwise, there seemingly are no universal associations of individualism and collectivism with suicidal behaviors. High collectivism was associated with less suicidal ideation only in individualistic countries. Low individualism appeared to be a risk factor for suicidal ideation specifically in Muslim collectivistic cultures, whereas high individualism in Asian collectivistic cultures. Collectivistic values are uniformly associated with less permissive attitudes to suicide, whereas individualistic values with a more stigmatized view of suicidal behavior. Both individualistic and collectivistic values were associated with socially accepting attitudes to a suicidal peer, helping a suicidal friend, and emotional involvement. The associations of individualistic and collectivistic values with disapproving attitudes to suicidal disclosure were complex. Beliefs in punishment after death for suicide, seeing suicide as mental illness, and emotional involvement with a suicidal friend were lower in high-suicide-rate countries. These evidence patterns are discussed in the light of related research evidence, along with directions for future research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Eskin
- Department of Psychology, College of Social Sciences and Humanities, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ulrich S Tran
- Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, School of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Wiener Werkstaette for Suicide Research, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mauro Giovanni Carta
- Department of Public Health, Clinical and Molecular Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Senel Poyrazli
- School of Behavioral Sciences and Education, Pennsylvania State University-Harrisburg, Middletown, PA, United States
| | - Chris Flood
- School of Health Sciences, City, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anwar Mechri
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Amira Shaheen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, West Bank, Palestine
| | - Mohsen Janghorbani
- School of Public Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Yousef Khader
- Department of Community Medicine, Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science & Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Kouichi Yoshimasu
- Department of Hygiene, School of Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Jian-Min Sun
- Department of Management and International Business, Faculty of Business and Economics, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Omar Kujan
- UWA Dental School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | | | - Khouala Aidoudi
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Seifollah Bakhshi
- School of Public Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hacer Harlak
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Adnan Menderes University, Aydin, Turkey
| | - Maria Francesca Moro
- Department of Public Health, Clinical and Molecular Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Louise Phillips
- School of Health Sciences, City, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Motasem Hamdan
- School of Public Health, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | - Abdulwahab Abuderman
- College of Medicine, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Kanami Tsuno
- School of Health Innovation, Kanagawa University of Human Services, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Martin Voracek
- Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, School of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Wiener Werkstaette for Suicide Research, Vienna, Austria
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Gürhan N, Beşer NG, Polat Ü, Koç M. Suicide Risk and Depression in Individuals with Chronic Illness. Community Ment Health J 2019; 55:840-848. [PMID: 30848413 DOI: 10.1007/s10597-019-00388-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The study aims to determine the suicide risk and depression in individuals diagnosed with chronic illnesses. The sample of the study comprised of 286 persons. The Information Form developed by the researchers on the basis of the models available in previous research, Suicide Probability Scale (SPS) and Beck Depression Scale (BDS) were used to collect data. Mann Whitney U-test, Kruskal Wallis test and Pearson correlation analysis were used to evaluate the study data. The mean score of the individuals participating in the study with reference to Suicide Probability Scale were found to be 68.80 ± 9.94 and that with reference to Beck Depression Scale 15.68 ± 9.91. Also, a significant positive relationship was found between the mean scores regarding SPS and BDS scales (r: 0.601, p: 0.000 < 0.05). The SPS and BDS mean scores of individuals who said they had poor mental health, low quality of life and low economic status and that of those who had no support from their families were found to be high in respect of statistical significance. In accordance with these findings, chronic illness is a risk factor that might induce depression and suicide ideation and attempt. According to the statistical analysis, the results of this study shown that people with poor mental health, poor quality of life and low economic status and those who had no support from their families especially had more vulnerable to depression and suicidal behaviours compared with other people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nermin Gürhan
- Nursing Department, Health Sciences Faculty of Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| | | | - Ülkü Polat
- Nursing Department, Health Sciences Faculty of Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Medine Koç
- Department of Nursing, Health Sciences Faculty of Gaziosmanpaşa University, Tokat, Turkey
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Corbitt-Hall DJ, Gauthier JM, Troop-Gordon W. Suicidality Disclosed Online: Using a Simulated Facebook Task to Identify Predictors of Support Giving to Friends at Risk of Self-harm. Suicide Life Threat Behav 2019; 49:598-613. [PMID: 29604119 DOI: 10.1111/sltb.12461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Although peer support in response to online disclosures of suicidality may be imperative for suicide prevention efforts, little is known as to how often support is provided or what predicts giving support. This study addresses this issue by investigating the odds of providing peer support in response to simulated online disclosures of suicidality. While interacting with a simulated Facebook newsfeed, participants (N = 690, Mage = 20.24, 527 female) were given the opportunity to leave comments on two posts disclosing low, moderate, or severe risk for suicide. Participants also completed questionnaires on their symptoms of depression and anxiety, experience with a loved one's suicidality, and Facebook use strategies. Only 33.6% of participants left a positive, supportive comment on at least one of the two suicide posts. Content severity, experience with a loved one's suicide attempts, and use of Facebook to meet people were predictive of providing positive comments. These findings suggest that young adults vary in their propensity to provide support after encountering a suicide disclosure online and that giving support is driven by a combination of contextual and intrapersonal factors.
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Eskin M. Turkish Imams' Experience with and Their Attitudes Toward Suicide and Suicidal Persons. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2017; 56:817-827. [PMID: 26923840 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-016-0217-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the experience with and attitudes toward suicide and suicidality in 70 consenting imams serving in mosques in the province of Aydin which is located at the southwest part of Turkey. A self-report questionnaire was used to collect the data. Attitudes of imams to suicide and suicidality were compared with attitudes of male university students. Only 4 imams (5.7 %) reported having had suicidal thoughts in past, and none reported having attempted suicide. Almost 50 % said that someone in communities they serve has commited suicide and nearly 40 % reported leading funeral ceremony for someone who committed suicide. Majority of imams (64.3 %) were of the opinion that a funeral ceremony should be arranged for people who suicide and 87.1 % were of the opinion that people who suicide can be buried in a common cemetery, but only 21.4 % said that someone who attempted suicide can be appointed as imam. Compared to male medical students, imams saw suicide as an unacceptable option and those engaging in suicidal behavior to be punished after death. But they displayed socially accepting and helping reactions to an imagined close friend who attempted suicide. Therefore, it was concluded that imams might exhibit preventive reactions to suicide when they offer counseling for persons from their congregations during times of suicidal crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Eskin
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Adnan Menderes University, Aydın, Turkey.
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7
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Eskin M, Kujan O, Voracek M, Shaheen A, Carta MG, Sun JM, Flood C, Poyrazli S, Janghorbani M, Yoshimasu K, Mechri A, Khader Y, Aidoudi K, Bakhshi S, Harlak H, Ahmead M, Moro MF, Nawafleh H, Phillips L, Abuderman A, Tran US, Tsuno K. Cross-national comparisons of attitudes towards suicide and suicidal persons in university students from 12 countries. Scand J Psychol 2016; 57:554-563. [DOI: 10.1111/sjop.12318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2016] [Accepted: 06/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Eskin
- Faculty of Medicine; Department of Psychiatry; Adnan Menderes University, Aydin Turkey
| | - Omar Kujan
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Sciences; Al-Farabi College for Dentistry and Nursing; Riyadh Saudi Arabia
| | - Martin Voracek
- Department of Basic Psychological Research and Research Methods; School of Psychology; University of Vienna; Austria
| | - Amira Shaheen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences; An-Najah National University; Nablus West Bank Palestine
| | - Mauro Giovanni Carta
- Department of Public Health, Clinical and Molecular Medicine; University of Cagliari; Italy
| | - Jian-Min Sun
- Department of Psychology and School of Labor and Human Resources; Renmin University of China; Beijing China
| | - Chris Flood
- School of Health Sciences; City University of London; UK
| | - Senel Poyrazli
- School of Behavioral Sciences and Education; Pennsylvania State University-Harrisburg; Middletown Pennsylvania USA
| | - Mohsen Janghorbani
- School of Public Health; Isfahan University of Medical Sciences; Isfahan Iran
| | - Kouichi Yoshimasu
- Department of Hygiene; School of Medicine; Wakayama Medical University; Wakayama Japan
| | - Anwar Mechri
- Department of Psychiatry; University hospital of Monastir; Monastir Tunisia
| | - Yousef Khader
- Department of Community Medicine, Public Health and Family Medicine; Faculty of Medicine; Jordan University of Science & Technology; Irbid Jordan
| | - Khouala Aidoudi
- Department of Psychiatry; University hospital of Monastir; Monastir Tunisia
| | - Seifollah Bakhshi
- School of Public Health; Isfahan University of Medical Sciences; Isfahan Iran
| | - Hacer Harlak
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences; Department of Psychology; Adnan Menderes University, Aydin Turkey
| | - Muna Ahmead
- School of Public Health; Al-Quds University; Jerusalem Palestine
| | - Maria Francesca Moro
- Department of Public Health, Clinical and Molecular Medicine; University of Cagliari; Italy
| | - Hani Nawafleh
- Princess Aisha Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences; Al-Hussein Bin Talal University; Ma'an Jordan
| | | | - Abdulwahab Abuderman
- College of Medicine; Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University; Al-Kharj Saudi Arabia
| | - Ulrich S. Tran
- Department of Basic Psychological Research and Research Methods; School of Psychology; University of Vienna; Austria
| | - Kanami Tsuno
- Department of Hygiene; School of Medicine; Wakayama Medical University; Wakayama Japan
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Abstract
Research has found that people accept some suicides more than others. The present study examined whether attitudes toward a person's suicide are affected by the suicide's gender or marital status, and whether the suicide is a parent or childless. Respondents read one of eight fictitious suicide case stories, in which the above-mentioned variables were manipulated, and then completed the Suicide Attitudes and Attribution Scale (SAAS). It was found that female and male respondents differed in their attitudes toward a person's suicidal behavior to some degree. A parent's suicide was viewed more negatively than a suicide by a childless person. A tendency for respondents to express more respect for a suicide of their own gender was also detected. It is discussed whether differences in acceptance of suicide can be associated with actual suicide rates.
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Abstract
It has been established by previous studies that suicide is more acceptable for some people than it is for others, and the main objective of the present study was to investigate the relationship between attitudes toward suicidal behavior and the suicidal person's socioeconomic status. Swedish university students read one of eight manipulated case stories in which a person engages in suicidal behavior and then completed the Suicide Attitudes and Attribution Scale (SAAS), which was constructed for this occasion. The data measured six factors, which also served as dependent variables in ANOVAs. Some of the results indicate that the suicidal behavior of an individual of high socioeconomic status is viewed more negatively than the same behavior displayed by an unemployed individual in a social welfare program.
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Sorjonen K. Attitudes Toward Suicide as a Function of the Victim's Physical Status. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2016. [DOI: 10.2190/kc0a-wa1k-bk3c-gjma] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In the present article it is hypothesized that attitudes toward suicide might reflect the victim's chances to promote her/his inclusive fitness (the ASIF-hypothesis). In the empirical study, Swedish university students (n = 198) read one of three different suicide case descriptions and answered questions about the causes, rationality, and acceptability of the suicide. Suicide by a paralyzed person was judged as more rational and justified than a suicide committed after accidentally killing others, a result in line with the ASIF-hypothesis.
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Meissner B, Bantjes J, Kagee A. I Would Rather Just Go Through With It Than Be Called a Wussy: An Exploration of How a Group of Young South African Men Think and Talk About Suicide. Am J Mens Health 2015; 10:338-48. [PMID: 25631278 DOI: 10.1177/1557988314568183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Worldwide suicide is a deeply gendered phenomenon. In South Africa, approximately 80% of suicide completers are male. This study aimed to investigate how a group of young South African men understand and think about suicidal behavior. In-depth semistructured interviews and thematic analysis using a grounded theory approach revealed that this group of young South African men had permissive attitudes to suicide and viewed suicide as a morally defensible alternative in specific situations. They spoke of suicide as a goal-directed behavior that provides a means of regaining control, asserting power, communicating, and rendering oneself visible. From this perspective, suicide was understood as a brave act requiring strength and determination. These data have congruence with the Theory of Gender and Health, which proposes that constructions of masculinity may be implicated in the attitudes and beliefs young men in South Africa hold toward suicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birte Meissner
- Department of Psychology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Jason Bantjes
- Department of Psychology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Ashraf Kagee
- Department of Psychology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Suicidal young adults often confide their distress to peers. It is unclear, however, what types of assistance a friend may offer in response to various symptoms of distress as well as whether the sex of either individual affects responses. AIMS We examined open-ended responses to e-mail vignettes from a fictitious friend exhibiting depressed, irritable, or overtly suicidal communications. METHOD College student participants (n = 106) read e-mail messages from a fictitious friend, to which they composed a reply. Replies were coded to reflect the presence/absence of mention of professional help, problem-oriented (personal) help, and social support. RESULTS Problem-oriented help was offered the most across conditions; professional help was offered least in response to depressed or irritable vignettes. Women were more likely to offer any type of help than men. Patterns of help-giving and sex differences in help-giving varied by condition. CONCLUSIONS Results indicate students' preferences for solving peer problems personally rather than professionally. Campus prevention and intervention efforts should focus on enhancing students' peer support and referral skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison L Barton
- Department of Human Development and Learning, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA.
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Eskin M, Palova E, Krokavcova M. Suicidal behavior and attitudes in Slovak and Turkish high school students: a cross-cultural investigation. Arch Suicide Res 2014; 18:58-73. [PMID: 24350593 DOI: 10.1080/13811118.2013.803448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Suicidal behavior and its variation across social contexts are of importance for the science of suicidology. Due to its special character controlled experimental studies on suicide are ruled out for ethical reasons. Cross-cultural studies may throw light on the etiology of both suicidal behavior and its cross-cultural variation. The present study compared suicidal behavior and attitudes in 423 Slovak and 541 Turkish high school students by means of a self-report questionnaire. The two groups reported similar percentages (Slovak = 36.4%; Turkish = 33.8%) of lifetime, past 12-months or current suicidal ideation but significantly more Turkish (12.2%) than Slovak (4.8%) students reported lifetime or past 12-months suicide attempts. Slovak adolescents displayed more liberal and permissive attitudes toward suicide, while those of Turkish adolescents were more rejecting. Turkish students rated themselves to be more religious and hence they believed to a greater extent that suicidal persons would be punished in a life after death than their Slovak peers. However, attitudes of Turkish students toward an imagined suicidal close friend were more accepting than the attitudes of Slovak students. Comparison of suicidal and nonsuicidal students revealed that those reporting suicidal ideation or attempts were more accepting of suicide and viewed suicide as a solution to a greater extent than the nonsuicidal ones. The results from this study suggest that cultural factors play a role in suicidal behavior, attitudes and reactions in a predicted direction.
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Lake AM, Kandasamy S, Kleinman M, Gould MS. Adolescents' attitudes about the role of mental illness in suicide, and their association with suicide risk. Suicide Life Threat Behav 2013; 43:692-703. [PMID: 23952811 DOI: 10.1111/sltb.12052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2012] [Accepted: 05/19/2013] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
We examined teenagers' attitudes about the role of mental illness in suicidal behavior and the relationship between these attitudes and suicide risk. Serious suicidal ideation or behavior and associated risk factors (gender, depression, substance problems, and first-hand experience with a suicidal peer) were assessed in 2,419 students at six New York high schools. Less than one fifth of students thought that mental illness was a major contributor to suicide. Suicidal adolescents and those at risk were less likely than their nonsuicidal and low-risk counterparts to associate suicide with mental illness. Our findings contribute to the debate over whether accepting attitudes toward suicide increase suicide risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison M Lake
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
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Eskin M, Voracek M, Stieger S, Altinyazar V. A cross-cultural investigation of suicidal behavior and attitudes in Austrian and Turkish medical students. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2011; 46:813-23. [PMID: 20563550 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-010-0254-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2009] [Accepted: 06/07/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This cross-cultural study investigated the prevalence of suicidal behavior and attitudes towards suicide and reactions to suicidal individuals in 320 Austrian and 326 Turkish medical students. METHODS Data were collected using a self-report questionnaire consisting of sections on demographic information, suicidal behavior, current mood, religiosity, attitudes towards suicide, and reactions to suicidal individuals. RESULTS More Austrian (37.8%) than Turkish (27.3%) students reported life-time, past 12-month, or current suicidal ideation, while more Turkish (6.4%) than Austrian (2.2%) students reported life-time or past 12-month suicide attempts. Austrian students had more permissive and liberal attitudes towards suicide, while those of Turkish students were more rejecting. Conversely, attitudes of Turkish medical students towards an imagined suicidal close friend were more accepting than those of Austrian medical students. Comparisons of suicidal versus nonsuicidal students showed that those reporting suicidal ideation or suicide attempts generally were more accepting of suicide and viewed suicide as a solution to a greater extent than the nonsuicidal group. CONCLUSION The findings suggest that cultural factors play a role in observed country differences in suicidal ideation and behavior and in attitudes towards suicide and reactions to suicidality among Austrian and Turkish medical students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Eskin
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Adnan Menderes University, Aydin, Turkey.
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Tomori M, Zalar B. Gender differences among adolescent suicide attempters and nonattempters. Int J Adolesc Med Health 2011; 12:177-190. [PMID: 22912289 DOI: 10.1515/ijamh.2000.12.2-3.177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
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Schwartz KA, Pyle SA, Dowd MD, Sheehan K. Attitudes and beliefs of adolescents and parents regarding adolescent suicide. Pediatrics 2010; 125:221-7. [PMID: 20064861 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2008-2248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The goal was to understand the attitudes, beliefs, and perceptions of adolescents and parents of adolescents, from a variety of backgrounds, regarding adolescent suicide. METHODS This qualitative study used focus groups to elicit the thoughts of distinct sociodemographic groups. A professional moderator guided the sessions by using a semistructured script. All groups were audiotaped. The transcripts and transcript summaries were analyzed for recurrent themes. The study was performed in community centers and schools in Chicago, Illinois (urban), and the Kansas City, Kansas, area (suburban and rural). A total of 66 adolescents (13-18 years of age) and 30 parents of adolescents participated in 13 focus groups. RESULTS Both adolescents and parents recognized adolescent suicide as a major problem, but not for their own communities. All parent and adolescent groups identified many risk factors for suicide. Most adolescents reported drug and alcohol use as risk factors for suicide. However, parents often viewed drug and alcohol use as normal adolescent behavior. Both adolescent and parent groups suggested securing or removing guns if an adolescent was known to be suicidal. All participants requested information about adolescent suicide. CONCLUSIONS Adolescents and parents need help understanding that suicide is an underidentified problem in their own communities. Both adolescents and parents are interested in learning more about how to identify and to intervene with a suicidal adolescent. Pediatricians are well positioned to provide this information in the office and in the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly A Schwartz
- Child Protection Program, UMass Memorial Children's Medical Center, 55 Lake Ave North, Worcester, MA 01655, USA.
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Hjelmeland H, Akotia CS, Owens V, Knizek BL, Nordvik H, Schroeder R, Kinyanda E. Self-reported suicidal behavior and attitudes toward suicide and suicide prevention among psychology students in Ghana, Uganda, and Norway. CRISIS 2008; 29:20-31. [PMID: 18389642 DOI: 10.1027/0227-5910.29.1.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Self-reported suicidal behavior and attitudes toward suicide in psychology students are reported and compared in Ghana, Uganda, and Norway. Small differences only were found in own suicidal behavior. However, experience of suicidal behavior in the surroundings was more common in Uganda than in Ghana and Norway. Although differences were found between the three countries in attitudes toward suicide, which emphasizes the need for culture-sensitive research and prevention, many of the differences were not as big as expected. The most pronounced difference was that the Norwegian students were more reluctant to take a stand on these questions compared to their African counterparts. Some differences were also found between the two African countries. The implications of the results for suicide prevention in Africa are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Hjelmeland
- Department of Social Work and Health Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.
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19
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Portzky G, De Wilde EJ, van Heeringen K. Deliberate self-harm in young people: differences in prevalence and risk factors between the Netherlands and Belgium. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2008; 17:179-86. [PMID: 17876500 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-007-0652-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/08/2007] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to examine prevalence and risk factors of deliberate self-harm in Dutch and Dutch-speaking Belgian adolescents. METHOD A cross sectional survey using an anonymous self report questionnaire was performed in both countries. Data on 4,431 Belgian and 4,458 Dutch 15-16 year-old school pupils were analyzed. RESULTS Results showed a significant difference between the two countries indicating that lifetime and past year prevalence of deliberate self-harm were both 2.8 times higher in Belgian adolescents than in Dutch adolescents. Further analyses identified differences in the prevalence of factors associated with deliberate self-harm, with Belgian adolescents showing significant higher scores on anxiety, less problem-oriented coping and more common use of alcohol and soft drugs. Belgian adolescents were also at higher risk for the experience of several life events in the previous year and before that such as conflicts with peers, parents and partner, being bullied at school or exposure to suicidal behavior in family and friends. In addition, Belgian adolescents showed less communication with family or teachers about their problems and difficulties. CONCLUSIONS The results of the study suggest that the increased risk of deliberate self-harm among Belgian adolescents may be associated with an increased reporting of several important life events and with additional ineffective problem-solving such as less problem-oriented coping, more substance use and less communication about their problems. These results support the assumption that sociocultural aspects of nations can influence the risk of deliberate self-harm and are important to consider when developing prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwendolyn Portzky
- Unit for Suicide Research, Dept of Psychiatry, University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, Gent 9000, Belgium.
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Colucci E, Martin G. Ethnocultural aspects of suicide in young people: a systematic literature review part 2: Risk factors, precipitating agents, and attitudes toward suicide. Suicide Life Threat Behav 2007; 37:222-37. [PMID: 17521274 DOI: 10.1521/suli.2007.37.2.222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Different scholars have expressed the same regret for the lack of research on ethnocultural differences in youth suicide behavior and the need to conduct more comparative studies, necessary to develop culturally responsive prevention and intervention strategies. The authors reviewed 82 publications on youth suicide that have considered, to different degrees, the ethnicity/culture of the population studied. Part 1 of this article explored youth suicide rates and methods (SLTB, this issue), while the present paper examines risk and precipitating factors and attitudes toward suicide in young people from a cross-cultural perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erminia Colucci
- Department of Psychiatry at The University of Queensland, Australia.
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Dervic K, Gould MS, Lenz G, Kleinman M, Akkaya-Kalayci T, Velting D, Sonneck G, Friedrich MH. Youth suicide risk factors and attitudes in New York and Vienna: a cross-cultural comparison. Suicide Life Threat Behav 2006; 36:539-52. [PMID: 17087633 DOI: 10.1521/suli.2006.36.5.539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of suicide risk factors and attitudes about suicide and help-seeking among New York and Viennese adolescents were compared in order to explore possible cross-cultural differences. Viennese adolescents exhibited higher rates of depressive symptomatology than their New York counterparts and had more first-hand experience with suicidal peers. More attribution of suicide to mental illness was reported in Vienna; yet Viennese youth were less likely than New York adolescents to recognize the seriousness of suicide threats. Help-seeking patterns of Viennese adolescents were influenced by their setting a high value on confidentiality. These cross-cultural differences may reflect the limited exposure of Austrian youth to school-based suicide prevention programs. The findings highlight the need of taking the sociocultural context into consideration in the planning of youth suicide prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanita Dervic
- Department of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel, Vienna, Austria.
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Abstract
Much of the research on suicidal behavior in Muslim countries has been simple descriptive studies of samples of completed and attempted suicides. Despite this, and despite the possible under-reporting of suicidal behavior in countries where such behavior is illegal, suicide rates do appear to be lower in Muslims than in those of other religions, even in countries which have populations belonging to several religious groups. Rates of attempted suicide, on the other hand, do not appear to be lower in Muslims as compared to non-Muslims. Research into this topic has been quite poor, failing to take into account the ethnic background and the Islamic sect to which the suicidal subjects belonged. Reasons for the low rate of completed suicide in Muslims are reviewed, including differences in values and socio-economic status.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Lester
- Center for the Study of Suicide, RR41, 5 Stonegate court, Blackwood, NJ 08012-5356, USA.
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Eskin M. A cross-cultural investigation of the communication of suicidal intent in Swedish and Turkish adolescents. Scand J Psychol 2003; 44:1-6. [PMID: 12602997 DOI: 10.1111/1467-9450.t01-1-00314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
A recent study found that Swedish adolescents were more disapproving of a suicidal disclosure by a fictional friend than their Turkish counterparts. Given this finding, the present study investigated whether or not more adolescents in Turkey than in Sweden disclose their own suicidal thoughts to someone, to whom adolescents disclose their suicidal thoughts, what reactions such disclosures produce, and reasons for not disclosing suicidal feelings among 966 Swedish and 956 Turkish high school students. A questionnaire was used to collect information about different aspects of suicidal disclosures. More Turkish than Swedish adolescent suicide ideators disclosed their thoughts. More Turkish than Swedish students believed also that young people thinking about and planning suicide tell others of their plans and thereby ask for help. An overwhelming majority of adolescents in both groups revealed their thoughts to peers. The social reactions to suicidal disclosures in both samples were mainly positive. The two most common reasons for not disclosing in both groups involved interpersonal hopelessness. Adolescents who disclosed their past suicidal thoughts to someone reported having lower current suicidal ideation than those who had not. In line with favorable social attitudes towards suicidal disclosures and lower suicidal mortality rates in Turkey compared with Sweden, more Turkish than Swedish adolescents reported having disclosed their own suicidal thoughts to someone in their social milieu.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Eskin
- Adnan Menderes University, School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Aydin, Turkey.
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Alem A, Jacobsson L, Kebede D, Kullgren G. Awareness and attitudes of a rural Ethiopian community toward suicidal behaviour. A key informant study in Butajira, Ethiopia. Acta Psychiatr Scand Suppl 1999; 397:65-9. [PMID: 10470357 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0447.1999.tb10696.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
One hundred key informants were interviewed regarding their awareness and attitudes toward suicidal behaviour. Eighty-eight informants were male, 58 were Muslim and 42 were Christian. Informants on average, claimed to know more persons who had completed suicide than those who had attempted suicide. Almost all informants mentioned more than one cause for suicide. Of these, frustration was the most frequently mentioned cause. Most informants believed that suicide attempters are cruel, feared and not trustworthy. Their attitude toward suicide completers was expressed as condemned sinners, do not deserve funeral ceremony, and should be buried separately from others. Christians gave importance to the funeral issue more than did the Muslims. Generally, the attitudes of informants were punitive and disapproving.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Alem
- Amanuel Psychiatric Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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