A Psychological Autopsy Study of Suicidal Hanging from Cuttack, India: Focus on Stressful Life Situations

Authors: Bastia, Binaya¹; Kar, Nilamadhab²

Source: Archives of Suicide Research, Volume 13, Number 1, January 2009 , pp. 100-104(5)

Publisher: Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group

Buy & download fulltext article:

Price: $50.43 plus tax (Refund Policy)

Abstract:

Factors and stressful life situations associated with suicidal hanging in a sample from India were studied with a view to explore preventability. Information was collected on consecutive suicidal hanging victims in a 2-year period from various sources including family members through psychological autopsy method. Out of 662 autopsies involving suicide during the study period, 104 had used hanging as the method. Age group of 21-30 years, married females, unmarried males, dowry related stress, unemployment, prolonged illness, failure in examinations, relationship and financial problems were associated more frequently with suicidal hanging. Stresses stemming from social practices and perceptions are linked with considerable number of suicidal hanging, which suggest priority areas for intervention.

Keywords: developing country; hanging; life events; societal stresses; suicide

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13811110802572221

Affiliations: 1: Forensic Medicine, SDM College of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Sattur, Dharwad, Karnataka, India 2: Wolverhampton City Primary Care Trust, Corner House Resource Centre, Wolverhampton, United Kingdom

Publication date: 2009-01-01