Hamid Reza Khankeh1, Seyed Ali Hosseini2, Leeba Rezaie3, Jalal Shakeri4, David C Schwebel5. 1. Department of Nursing, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences (USWR), Tehran, Iran; Department of Clinical Science and Education, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. Electronic address: hrkhankeh@hotmail.com. 2. Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences (USWR), Tehran, Iran. Electronic address: alihosse@gmail.com. 3. Sleep Disorders Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran. Electronic address: rezaie.phd.ot@gmail.com. 4. Department of Psychiatry, Farabi Hospital, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences (KUMS), Kermanshah, Iran. Electronic address: jshakerimd@yahoo.com. 5. Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA. Electronic address: schwebel@uab.edu.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Self-immolation is a common method of suicide among Iranian women. There are several contributing motives for attempting self-immolation, and exploration of the process of self-immolation incidents will help interventionists and clinicians develop prevention programs. METHODS: A grounded theory study using face-to-face, recorded interviews was conducted with surviving self-immolated patients (n=14), their close relatives (n=5), and medical staff (n=8) in Kermanshah, Iran. Data were analyzed using constant comparison in open, axial, and selective coding stages. RESULTS: A conceptual model was developed to explain the relationships among the main categories extracted through the grounded theory study. Family conflicts emerged as the core category. Cultural context of self-immolated patients offered a contextual condition. Other important categories linked to the core category were mental health problems, distinct characteristics of the suicidal method, and self-immolation as a threat. The role of mental health problems as a causal condition was detected in different levels of the self-immolation process. Finally, adverse consequences of self-immolation emerged as having important impact. CONCLUSION: The conceptual model, derived through grounded theory study, can guide design of prevention programs. The pivotal role of family conflicts should be emphasized in mental health interventions. The impact of adverse consequences of self-immolation on further suicidal processes necessitates post-suicide prevention programs. Further research to design specific interventions is recommended.
INTRODUCTION: Self-immolation is a common method of suicide among Iranian women. There are several contributing motives for attempting self-immolation, and exploration of the process of self-immolation incidents will help interventionists and clinicians develop prevention programs. METHODS: A grounded theory study using face-to-face, recorded interviews was conducted with surviving self-immolated patients (n=14), their close relatives (n=5), and medical staff (n=8) in Kermanshah, Iran. Data were analyzed using constant comparison in open, axial, and selective coding stages. RESULTS: A conceptual model was developed to explain the relationships among the main categories extracted through the grounded theory study. Family conflicts emerged as the core category. Cultural context of self-immolated patients offered a contextual condition. Other important categories linked to the core category were mental health problems, distinct characteristics of the suicidal method, and self-immolation as a threat. The role of mental health problems as a causal condition was detected in different levels of the self-immolation process. Finally, adverse consequences of self-immolation emerged as having important impact. CONCLUSION: The conceptual model, derived through grounded theory study, can guide design of prevention programs. The pivotal role of family conflicts should be emphasized in mental health interventions. The impact of adverse consequences of self-immolation on further suicidal processes necessitates post-suicide prevention programs. Further research to design specific interventions is recommended.
Authors: Kiyoumars Allahbakhshi; Katayoun Jahangiri; Davoud Khorasani-Zavareh Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2019-08-05 Impact factor: 3.390