Exploring the lived experiences of the suicide attempt survivors: a phenomenological approach

Abstract

Purpose: Suicide is a complex phenomenon that needs to be studied with a variety of approaches. The purpose of this study is to explore the lived experience of attempted suicide with the phenomenology approach. Method: An interpretive phenomenological approach was used to analyse semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 16 participants (ages 19-57) who were recruited by means of purposive sampling from October to November 2017 at the Farshchian Psychiatric Hospital in Hamadan/Iran. Data analysis was conducted according to van Manen's phenomenological method. Results: Identified three themes and eight subthemes: Mental pain (subthemes: living through grief, internal conflict, the world is better without me), Social challenges (lack of social connection, financial problems, social support services) and Need for love and belonging (feeling understood, need of empathy). Conclusions: Outcomes and key implications of the study related primarily to improving the treatment experiences of suicide attempt survivors and other at-risk population, and also advancing suicide prevention efforts and to provide support for suicide attempt survivors.

Challenges and reactions of families of women survived self-immolation: A qualitative study in western Iran.

“…Another problem for the families was the unpleasant feelings that were created after the self-immolation of women in the family, which is consistent with the research conducted in the field of suicide survivors, because usually after suicide and attempted suicide, families, and survivors suffer from negative feelings and psychological pressure (Levi-Belz et al, 2021; Shamsaei et al, 2020). Most of the family members blamed themselves for what happened, and it caused negative feelings of guilt and regret in them.…”

Qualitative research in suicidology: a systematic review of the literature of low-and middle-income countries

“…The root causes of suicidal behaviour among people in LMICs identified in the literature were; the impact of hostility in the family environment (parental conflicts and separation, marital disharmony, conflicts with siblings and other family members) [ 12 ], using attempting as a way to seek attention from family members [ 22 , 29 ] living with financial crises/poverty and chronic illnesses [ 20 , 51 ], superstitious/supernatural beliefs that create suicidal behaviours [ 19 , 53 ], and the guilt of surviving from the previous suicide attempt [ 23 ].…”

“…The causes and frequency of suicidal behaviour and suicide death clearly signify the importance of studying suicidology in LMICs with the recent interest in these areas increasing [ 12 , 19 – 25 ]. Poverty [ 26 ], sociocultural and religious challenges [ 19 , 20 , 27 ], family factors [ 5 , 12 ], physical disability [ 28 ]; shame and stigma associated with mental health illnesses, social challenges, and the impact of being disconnected from family members [ 23 ] are all found to play important roles in suicide across LMICs. Interpersonal factors such as suicide attempts being seen as attention seeking [ 22 , 29 ] and the impact of relationship breakup [ 21 ], as well as traditional masculinity norms as a barrier to help-seeking [ 2 ] potentially, contribute to suicidal behaviours in LMICs.…”

Aportes de la fenomenología interpretativa a las investigaciones de enfermería y al cuidado enfermero asistencial

“…La fenomenología interpretativa ha hecho posible la comprensión de variados fenómenos del cuidado enfermero, es posible encontrar publicaciones cuya población de estudio son enfermeros profesionales o estudiantes en enfermería, sin embargo, el área donde se centran este tipo de estudios en la enfermería es sin duda el área asistencial, abordando temáticas tan complejas como la salud mental, el cuidado al final de la vida, la adherencia a los tratamientos, padecimientos estigmatizantes como el VIH, por mencionar algunas. Estas investigaciones son generadoras de herramientas para la mejora del cuidado, ejemplo de ello es una investigación reciente que buscó comprender las experiencias de las personas sobrevivientes de un intento de suicidio y cuyos resultados permitieron mejorar la calidad del cuidado que brinda enfermería, pues se evidenció que estas personas necesitan apoyo, comprensión, empatía y compañía para mitigar el dolor emocional, el cual refieren es mayor que el dolor físico 17 .…”