Meanings of the suicidal act between sadness and hopelessnes

contributions from studies with Brazilians

Abstract

Suicide  is  a  global  public  health  problem,  characterized  by  taboos  and stigmas, which, when uncovered, could support training, education and prevention actions. In response to this demand, the present study aimed to identify the meanings that  Brazilians  attribute  to  suicide.  A  national  survey  was  carried  out  with  3,453 Brazilian adults, who answered a sociodemographic questionnaire and the Free Word Association Technique (TALP), with the inducing stimulus “suicide”. The results were organized into two classes: 1) “Between despair and helplessness: the reasons for suicide”,  which  addresses  possible  motivations  for  suicide;  and  2)  “Survivors: meanings of suicide for the network of affection”, which presents aspects related to grief  and  pain  experienced  by  survivors.  Differences  in  evocations  also  emerged depending  on  the  region  of  the  country  and  sexual  orientation.  It  is  concluded  that suicide   is   still   surrounded   by   social   stigmas   and   isolated   associations   to psychopathological   conditions   of   the   subject   who   presents   suicidal   behavior. Furthermore,  the  loss  of  a  loved  one  by  suicide  is  marked  by  an  experience  of unrecognized and lonely grief. Therefore, the need for educational promotion, prevention and postvention actions on the causes and care interventions aimed at the subject with suicidal behavior and family members becomes essential.