Religion as Meaning-Making Resource in Understanding Suicidal Behavior in Ghana and Uganda

Frontiers in Psychology

Heidi Hjelmeland¹  Birthe Loa Knizek¹  Johnny Andoh-Arthur²  Charity Akotia²  Joseph Osafo²  James Mugisha³  Eugene Kinyanda⁴ 

[1] Department of Mental Health, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway;Department of Psychology, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana;Department of Sociology and Social Administration, Kyambogo University, Kampala, Uganda;MRCV/Entebbe, Entebbe, Uganda;

关键词: suicidal behavior;    meaning-making activity;    Africa;    culture;    religion;   

DOI  :  10.3389/fpsyg.2021.549404

来源: Frontiers

【 摘 要 】

Suicidal behavior is condemned by religions and tradition, and suicide attempts are criminalized by law in several African countries, including Ghana and Uganda. Suicide and suicide attempts may have severe consequences for both the entire family and the community. Religion is known to act as a protective coping force that helps people to make meaning and find comfort when dealing with stressful life events or situations like suicide. In this article, we focus on the cultural interpretations of the dominating religion in Ghana and Uganda, Christianity, and whether these affect attitudes toward suicidal behavior, meaning making, and coping possibilities for people who have attempted suicide or are bereaved by suicide. This article is based on data material from previous studies on the mentioned topics by the authors.

【 授权许可】

CC BY