Social Representations of Suicide in Patients with Suicide Attempt Hospitalized in a Mental Health Institution

Authors

  • Juan Darío Franco-Ramírez Last-year Medical Student, Technological University of Pereira, Pereira, Colombia; Colombian Association of Medical Students' Scientific Societies (ASCEMCOL); Research Group Psychiatry, Neurosciences and Community, Technological University of Pereira.
  • Jorge Luis Cortés Navarro Last-year Medical Student, Technological University of Pereira, Pereira, Colombia.
  • Gregorio Arturo Hurtado Arango Last-year Medical Student, Technological University of Pereira, Pereira, Colombia.
  • Julio Andrés Prado Echeverry Last-year Medical Student, Technological University of Pereira, Pereira, Colombia, Asociación Científica de Estudiantes de Medicina de Risaralda (ACEMRIS). https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1401-7482
  • Juan Pablo Sierra Gutiérrez Sixth-year Medical Student, Technological University of Pereira, Pereira, Colombia. https://orcid.org/0009-0001-6969-0746
  • Adriana García Torres. MgSc, Technological University of Pereira, Pereira, Colombia.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5195/ijms.2023.2389

Keywords:

Interview, Suicide Attempt, Suicide, Qualitative Research, Family relations, Mental Health

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The suicide rate in the last 45 years has increased considerably in the world, being the frequency of attempted suicide 20 times higher than that of completed suicide. Pereira is one of the cities with the highest rates in the country.

METHODS: This qualitative research uses grounded theory as an analysis method, obtaining the data through semi-structured open-type interviews with selective purposive sampling. The analysis of the interviews was done through the grounded theory method and the results are expressed through the theory of social representations.

RESULTS: The findings of this research present the discourse of hospitalized patients with suicide attempt. According to social representations, family and derivatives are vital for individual development and their relationship with the environment. Dysfunctions in the family nucleus increase the risk of developing negative thoughts, which can later turn into suicidal behavior. Associated psychiatric pathologies, low self-esteem, relationship problems, sexual abuse and feelings of rejection are risk factors, while study, life projects, and spirituality are protective factors. No relationship was found regarding the consumption of psychoactive substances.

CONCLUSION: The family is fundamental in the configuration of the individual and its role as a protective or risk factor in terms of suicide attempt depends on its functionality. It is suggested that work in the families could serve as a strategy for the prevention of the non-fatal suicidal act.

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Published

2023-12-19

How to Cite

Franco-Ramírez, J. D., Cortés Navarro, J. L., Hurtado Arango, G. A., Prado Echeverry, J. A., Sierra Gutiérrez, J. P., & García Torres., A. (2023). Social Representations of Suicide in Patients with Suicide Attempt Hospitalized in a Mental Health Institution. International Journal of Medical Students, 11, S109. https://doi.org/10.5195/ijms.2023.2389

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Abstracts of the WCMSR

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