Citation

van Bergen D, Smit JH, van Balkom AJLM, Saharso S. Ethn. Racial Stud. 2009; 32(2): 302-322.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/01419870802315043

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Young immigrant women of South Asian, Turkish and Moroccan origin in the Netherlands demonstrate disproportionate rates of non-fatal suicidal behaviour. Suicidal behaviour is usually explained from a psychological or medical tradition. However, we would like to emphasize sociological correlates, by examining the relevance of Durkheim's fatalistic suicide, characterized by overregulation. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 115 case files of young women who demonstrated suicidal behaviour, to illuminate their living conditions. The analysis included a comparison of class factors as well as psychiatric and psychological risk factors. In at least half of the cases, South Asian, Turkish and Moroccan women experienced specific stressful life events related to their family honour. Women's lives were often characterized by a lack of self-autonomy. It is concluded that the archetype of fatalistic suicide should be re-evaluated when interpreting the suicidal behaviour of young immigrant women in the Netherlands, and incorporated into strategies of prevention.

Language: en

Keywords

suicide; Europe; Netherlands; psychology; Cultural factors; Mental illness; cultural influence; womens status; The Netherlands; Western Europe; immigrant population; Eurasia; womens health; Benelux; Behavioural autonomy; Children of immigrants; Gender and immigration