Tools
Tools
Dalgety-Dean, A, 2024. Echoes in the rainforest: unravelling the tapestry of suicide in Guyana. PhD, Nottingham Trent University.
Preview |
Text
Ayodele Dalgety-Dean 2024.pdf - Published version Download (5MB) | Preview |
Abstract
This thesis investigated the sociocultural foundations of suicide in Guyana, one of the countries with the highest rates of suicide worldwide. Through an ethnographic approach, it explored how the intertwining of values, beliefs, norms, practices, and language within Guyanese society has influenced the ideation and behaviours associated with suicide. Employing qualitative methods, including participant observation, interviews, focus groups, and document analysis, this study provided a culturalized view of the complex nature of suicide within the Guyanese society.
The research revealed a significant interrelation among economic considerations, societal stigma, familial expectations, religious beliefs, and the influence of media and technology on peoples’ perceptions and real life experiences of suicide. It highlighted how economic stability is often valued over emotional or romantic compatibility in relationships, reflecting a materialistic influence on family approval and societal acceptance. The research also uncovered the stigma attached to suicide ideation and suicide and this stigma perpetuates silence and contributes to the normalization of suicide as a response to personal and societal troubles. Furthermore, it discovered the crucial roles played by familial communication patterns, societal expectations, and representations of suicide in media and online platforms in shaping individual and collective attitudes towards suicide.
By synthesizing findings from the various qualitative methods this thesis argued that suicide in Guyana is not simply an act of individual despair but rather a manifestation of deeper societal conflicts and cultural clashes. It emphasized the critical need for culturally attuned suicide prevention strategies that tackle the root causes of suicide, encourage open discussions, and challenge the prevailing norms and practices contributing to the stigma and normalization of suicide.
This work contributes to the broader field of suicidology by providing a detailed understanding of the cultural dimensions of suicide, stressing the necessity of considering cultural contexts in the development of effective prevention and intervention strategies. It advocates for a collaborative approach, involving communities, policymakers, healthcare providers, and researchers, to devise solutions that resonate with the lived experiences of the Guyanese populace. Hence, aiming to reduce the social discord and cultural tensions that contribute to the high prevalence of suicide in the country.
| Item Type: | Thesis |
|---|---|
| Creators: | Dalgety-Dean, A. |
| Contributors: | Name Role NTU ID ORCID |
| Date: | April 2024 |
| Rights: | The copyright in this work is held by the author. You may copy up to 5% of this work for private study, or personal, non-commercial research. Any re-use of the information contained within this document should be fully referenced, quoting the author, title, university, degree level and pagination. Queries or requests for any other use, or if a more substantial copy is required, should be directed to the author. |
| Divisions: | Schools > School of Social Sciences |
| Record created by: | Jeremy Silvester |
| Date Added: | 16 May 2025 14:50 |
| Last Modified: | 16 May 2025 15:11 |
| URI: | https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/53594 |
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3817-229XActions (login required)
 |
Edit View |
Statistics
Views
Views per month over past year
Downloads
Downloads per month over past year
