Attempted Suicide in Ghana: Motivation, Stigma, and Coping

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

doi:10.1080/07481187.2014.991955

Attempted Suicide in Ghana: Motivation, Stigma, and Coping

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

Department of Psychology

University of Ghana
Norwegian University of Science and Technology

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

74 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 language	English
Pages (from-to)	274-280
Number of pages	7
Journal	Death Studies
Volume	39
Issue number	5
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1080/07481187.2014.991955
Publication status	Published - 28 May 2015

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being

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10.1080/07481187.2014.991955

Cite this

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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.",

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AB - 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.

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Attempted Suicide in Ghana: Motivation, Stigma, and Coping

Abstract

UN SDGs

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