Attempted Suicide in Ghana: Motivation, Stigma, and Coping
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Date
2015-01
Journal Title
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Volume Title
Publisher
Death Studies
Abstract
To understand the experiences of suicidal persons in Ghana, 10 persons were interviewed after they attempted suicide. Thematic analysis of data showed that motivation for suicidal behavior included social taunting, hopelessness, and partner's infidelity. Suicidal persons reported stigma expressed through physical molestation and social ostracism, which left them traumatized. However, they coped through social support from relations, religious faith, and use of avoidance. Community-wide sensitive education should target reducing stigma and also increase mental health education on suicidal behavior in Ghanaian communities. © 2015, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
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Keywords
Suicide, Ghana, social taunting, partner's infidelity