A Phenomenological Study on Lived Experience of Suffering in Suicide Attempters

Abstract

Purpose:The purpose of the study was to understand essential meanings of suffering experienced by suicide attempters. Methods: Data were collected in 2009 through individual narrative interviews from 7 suicide attempters. Texts from literary works and movies containing suicide were also included as data. Data were analyzed using the hermeneutic phenomenology of van Manen. Results: Thirteen themes were identified in four dimensions. In the dimension of 'lived body', 'unbearably sweet temptation to death', 'body surrendered by emotional damage', 'chaos in life and death', 'squashed body by the heavy weight of life', and 'loss of meaning in life' were identified. 'The black hole, one is not able to get out' represents the experience in the dimension of 'lived space', 'The moment on the edge of a profound abyss' and 'the worst present and hopeless future' represent 'lived time'. In the dimension of 'lived human relation', 'I who am alone in the world', 'fear of being abandoned', 'unbreakable relationship trap', 'I who am not recognized' and 'guilty feeling' were included. Conclusion: Results of the study should be helpful in developing personalized suicide prevention programs by showing the various types of suffering deeply ingrained into the personal history of suicide attempters.

Experiences of Bereaved Families by Suicide in South Korea: A Phenomenological Study

“…When a family member dies by suicide, it negatively affects the remaining family’s life for a long time. Young people can experience deep emotional wounds and anger due to the death of their family and may attempt suicide, thus, suicide in such a family environment is recognized as a solution to the problem [ 5 ]. Especially, suicidal behavior occurs when a person who commits suicide fails to resolve problems with their family; thus, family suicide has a significant influence on the life of the surviving family after the suicide [ 6 ].…”

Families’ Experiences of Suicide Victims in South Korea: A Phenomenological Study

“…The causes of suicide are various, including psychiatric symptoms, interpersonal relationships, money loss, physical illness, loneliness, work-related problems, chronic poverty, assault, and studies [4]. While growing up, youth experiences wounds and anger due to the death of their family or assault, or attempt suicide; death in such a family environment is recognized as a solution [5]. In particular, suicidal behavior occurs when person who commits suicide fails to resolve problems with their family; thus, family suicide has a signi cant in uence on the life of the surviving family after the suicide [6].…”