Citation

Rasmussen ML, Haavind H, Dieserud G. Arch. Suicide Res. 2018; 22(2): 327-343.

Affiliation

a Norwegian Institute of Public Health , Oslo , Norway.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, International Academy of Suicide Research, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/13811118.2017.1340855

PMID

28636432

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Young men constitute one of the highest risk groups for suicide in most countries. This gives reason to explore how meanings attached to masculinity can be evoked and handled when a young man takes his life.

METHOD: In-depth interviews with five to eight informants for each of ten suicides, as well as suicide notes, were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.

RESULTS: The suicides appeared as signature acts of compensatory masculinity with the following themes: When hope is gone, no one must know; weakness was never allowed; and suicide conducted in a way to present oneself as heroic.

CONCLUSION: The handling of masculinity in triggering suicidal plans and in carrying out suicide is intrinsically connected to avoidance of help-seeking behavior.

Language: en

Keywords

compensatory masculinity; help-seeking; interpretative phenomenological analysis; men's health; psychological autopsy study; suicide; young men