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Examining Student Perspectives On Suicidal Behaviour and Its Prevention in Sri Lanka

Author

Listed:
  • Ruwan Ratnayake
  • Paul Links

    (Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, 30 Bond Street, Suite 2010, Shuter Wing, Toronto, ON, Canada M5B 1W8, rratnaya@jhsph.edu)

Abstract

Background: Suicidal behaviour, primarily through self-poisoning, is a major public health problem among youth in Sri Lanka. Methods: This article describes a qualitative study of student perspectives on suicidal behaviour and its prevention. Focus groups were held with students 17—20 years of age. A discussion of the perceived causes of suicidal behaviour provided the context for discussing prevention efforts. Conclusion: Participants identified pathways to suicidal behaviour and emphasized experiential aspects and the variability of fatal intent. Suggestions for prevention tended to emphasize the strengthening of community-oriented actions in order to better realize lethal means restrictions.

Suggested Citation

  • Ruwan Ratnayake & Paul Links, 2009. "Examining Student Perspectives On Suicidal Behaviour and Its Prevention in Sri Lanka," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 55(5), pages 387-400, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socpsy:v:55:y:2009:i:5:p:387-400
    DOI: 10.1177/0020764008098699
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Knox, K.L. & Conwell, Y. & Caine, E.D., 2004. "If Suicide Is a Public Health Problem, What Are We Doing to Prevent It?," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 94(1), pages 37-45.
    2. Coggan, Carolyn & Patterson, Pam & Fill, Jacqui, 1997. "Suicide: Qualitative data from focus group interviews with youth," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 45(10), pages 1563-1570, November.
    3. Konradsen, Flemming & Hoek, Wim van der & Peiris, Pushpalatha, 2006. "Reaching for the bottle of pesticide--A cry for help. Self-inflicted poisonings in Sri Lanka," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 62(7), pages 1710-1719, April.
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