Citation

Fitzpatrick SJ. Public Health Ethics 2018; 11(2): 179-190.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Oxford University Press)

DOI

10.1093/phe/phx022

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Value judgements in research and political decision-making that exclude evidence for the social determinants of suicide suggest that evidence is not sufficient on its own to guide policy and practice, and that there is a lack of conceptual clarity with regard to decisions relating to the prioritization of problems, the allocation of resources, the translation of research into practice, as well as questions of responsibility for suicide prevention. In this work I seek to broaden conventional ethical debate about suicide through the use of public health ethics frameworks. I argue that despite espousing a public health approach, current suicide prevention strategies are based largely on individual-level theorizing. This emphasis on the individual works to responsibilize individuals and communities for suicide prevention and directs attention away from public policy and systemic inequities. Given continued high rates of suicide, especially among disadvantaged social groups and communities, comprehensive government action is required to address the social and political determinants of suicide. Normative justification for action in realizing these ends is critical. I conclude by proposing one practicable form of action to make values and value judgements in suicide prevention explicit so that alternative forms of ethical and political recognition and responsibility are acknowledged. © The Author 2017.

Language: en

Keywords

human; social interaction; mental health; suicide; health education; decision making; public health; suicidal behavior; medical ethics; awareness; politics; clinical research; clinical practice; health program; socioeconomics; responsibility; community care; priority journal; mental health service; social problem; social aspect; health promotion; health care planning; prophylaxis; research ethics; agricultural worker; Article; health care disparity; public policy; social determinants of health; psychological resilience