Chapter 5

Ethnic Aspects Involved in Suicide

Giancarlo Giupponi and Roger Pycha

Abstract

The phenomenon of suicide has been present throughout human history. It can be identified throughout the world as a consequence of factors pertaining to health, culture, and history. Cultural, ethnic and sociological aspects have been clarified by means of studies examining gender and age difference. In an ever more globalised world, migration and the formation of ethnic minorities within host countries, in conjunction with distinct socio-cultural features leads to new challenges regarding suicidal tendency. It is evident from past studies that the data that we have originates in various countries and when we refer to factors such as risk or protection in minorities we are referring to minorities which are not part of or related to our own cultural circle or our own country. The origin of data can limit the usefulness of our work. We can access limited scientific resources but are confronted with various methodological difficulties. The definition of minority, race and immigrant alone varies from country to country. Interaction between minority and host country, social integration and circumstance vary considerably. Despite these limitations chapter sets out to examine the ethnic aspect of suicide and provide an overall view however fragmented it may be.

Total Pages: 55-72 (18)

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