Attempted Suicide in Ghana: Motivation, Stigma, and Coping

Joseph Osafo, Charity Sylvia Akotia, Johnny Andoh-Arthur, Emmanuel Nii Boye Quarshie

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

63 Citations (Scopus)

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.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)274-280
Number of pages7
JournalDeath Studies
Volume39
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 28 May 2015

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Attempted Suicide in Ghana: Motivation, Stigma, and Coping'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this