How do young people in Cambodia perceive the impact of societal attitudes, media and religion on suicidal behaviour?. (March 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jegannathan, Bhoomikumar; Kullgren, Gunnar; Dahlblom, Kjerstin
• Is Part Of: International journal of social psychiatry. Volume 62:Number 2(2016)
• Page Start: 114
• Page End: 122
• Publication Date: 2016-03
• Subjects: Societal attitudes -- media -- religion -- suicide -- young people -- Cambodia; Social psychiatry -- Periodicals; 362.205
• DOI: 10.1177/0020764015597952
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0020-7640

Abstract

Background: Young people in low and middle income countries (LMICs) in societal transitions with rapidly changing norms face an increased risk of suicide. This study explores how young people in Cambodia understand the impact on suicidal behaviour from societal attitudes, media and religion. Material: Focus group discussions were held with school students from a suburban area. Thematic analysis was used to interpret the data. Discussion: Participants perceived the prevailing suicide-stigmatizing societal attitudes, the double-edged media and suicide-ambiguity in Buddhist religion as challenging. Globalization was recognized as contradicting with traditional Cambodian norms and values. Conclusion: Suicide prevention programmes should take into consideration the complex picture of suicide that young people are exposed to.