Suicide stigma in Ghana: examining the role of gender, culture, and attribution.
Saved in:
| Title: | Suicide stigma in Ghana: examining the role of gender, culture, and attribution. |
|---|---|
| Authors: | Gearing, Robin E. (AUTHOR), Brewer, Kathryne B. (AUTHOR), Boateng, Doris Akyere (AUTHOR), Washburn, Micki (AUTHOR), Asante, Rabiu Kwaku Boakye (AUTHOR), Fogel, Sondra J. (AUTHOR), Carr, L. Christian (AUTHOR), Savani, Shahnaz (AUTHOR), Robinson, Andrew (AUTHOR), Robbins, Susan P. (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | International Journal of Mental Health. Dec2025, Vol. 54 Issue 4, p446-465. 20p. |
| Subjects: | Empathy, Research funding, Diversity & inclusion policies, Suicidal ideation, Sex distribution, Culture, Statistical sampling, Responsibility, Descriptive statistics, Experimental design, Surveys, Suicide, Research, Data analysis software, Sociodemographic factors, Social support, Social stigma, Patients' attitudes |
| Geographic Terms: | Ghana |
| Abstract: | Until recently attempting suicidal was a crime in Ghana. Suicide stigma experiences in Ghana can lead individuals to conceal their condition, limit social interactions, and avoid help-seeking. This study therefore seeks to examine the factors influencing suicide stigma in Ghana to better understand and provide recommendations to reduce suicide stigma. In Accra and Tamale, Ghana, 197 adults were recruited to participate in a Qualtrics survey in English, Dagbani or Twi languages with an experimental vignette describing a suicidal individual, manipulated on gender and age, followed by questions eliciting attitudes, perceptions, and beliefs. The sample consisted of 92 females and 105 males with an average age of 33.2 years. This research examined the relationship between people's beliefs about the causes and personal responsibility of suicidal ideation and stigma. The canonical correlation analysis indicated significant explanatory variates explained approximately 20% of response variance for male participants and 18% for female participants. Findings underscore that targeting suicidal stigma requires a nuanced and multi-layered approach that acknowledges the roles of sociodemographic factors, cultural beliefs, and attribution regarding suicidal ideation. These findings support community-based stigma reduction efforts to help develop a comprehensive approach to foster greater empathy, inclusivity, and support for individuals living with suicidal ideation. Situating the findings within the broader literature, this study offers insights to guide future research on suicide stigma and mental health in Ghana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| Copyright of International Journal of Mental Health is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) | |
| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
|
Full text is not displayed to guests.
Login for full access.
|
|
Be the first to leave a comment!
