Explanatory models of suicidality among women of Turkish descent in Germany: A focus group study

Abstract

Women of Turkish descent in Germany show higher rates of suicidal behavior compared to their host populations and men of Turkish descent. This indicates a demand for a better understanding of suicidality in this group. Nine focus groups ( N = 61) were conducted to assess explanatory models including patterns of distress, perceived causes, course/consequences of and reactions towards a suicidal crisis, help-seeking behavior, and potential intervention and prevention strategies. All participants were of Turkish descent living in Berlin, Germany. The focus groups included two with professionals such as psychiatrists or psychotherapists, two with Community Mothers, three with women from the community (ages: 18 -34, 35 -49, 50+), and of three suicide attempters (ages: 18 -33, 38 -66). Data were analyzed using the methodology of thematic analysis. Results show that suicide-related behaviors, attitudes, and help-seeking behavior have gender and culture-specific characteristics. Two central themes were identified: the impact of family and community and the impact of German society. Participants stated that they believe that family and community pressures as well as discrimination and lack of acceptance cause social isolation. Fear of stigmatization and dishonoring themselves or their family, as well as shame and self-stigma decrease the likelihood of reaching out for help. Recommended strategies are community and family interventions, promotion of integration and social inclusion, awareness campaigns to destigmatize suicidality and the use of mental health services, empowerment of women, as well as the improvement of cultural sensitivity and competency of services.

Reducing Suicidal Ideation among Turkish Migrants in the Netherlands and in the UK: The Feasibility of a Randomised Controlled Trial of a Guided Online Intervention

“…As part of the safety protocol, we collected personal information (name, address) and GP details during the recruitment process. Qualitative evidence on cultural meaning of suicide among Turkish migrants indicate that disclosing suicidal thoughts might mean dishonouring family and community by failing their expectations (11,23). The majority of the potential participants were lost during the recruitment process mainly because they did not want to ll in the baseline questionnaire and/or send their personal information (N=35).…”

“…Some have argued that this might be associated with gender related factors such as domestic violence and honour related violence (e.g. being forced into an unwanted marriage), which are important life events among women who are presenting suicidal behaviours worldwide (11,12). Others have stressed that people might encounter di culties in their adaptation process to host countries, and interpersonal and structural discrimination within institutions, contributing to the elevated risk of suicidal behaviour (12,13).…”

Harmful Cultural Practices in the Consultation Room: Dutch General Practitioners’ Views and Experiences

“…They were forced to marry, used as a maid by their in-laws, had no control over their own fertility, and were often con ned to the house (xxx, 2016). This had led them to develop depression and eventually to attempt suicide (see also Montesinos et al, 2019). This previous research was, for the rst author, a reason to start this project.…”

Reducing Suicidal Ideation among Turkish Migrants in the Netherlands and in the UK A Pilot RCT of a guided Online Intervention

“…Some have argued that this might be associated with gender related factors such as domestic violence and honour related violence (e.g. being forced into an unwanted marriage), which are important life events among women who are presenting suicidal behaviours worldwide (9)(10). Others have stressed that people might encounter difficulties in their adaptation process to host countries, and interpersonal and structural discrimination within institutions, contributing to the elevated risk of suicidality (11)(12).…”

“…Not everyone receives these interventions and this is especially true for ethnic minorities (3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20).…”