International Journal of Culture and Mental Health
Volume 9, Issue 2, 2016, Pages 182-196

Canına kıymak – ‘crushing life energy’: a qualitative study on lay and professional understandings of suicide and help-seeking among Turkish migrants in the UK and in the Netherlands (Article) (Open Access)

Eylem O.* , van Bergen D.D. , Rathod S. , van Straten A. , Bhui K. , Kerkhof A.J.F.M.
  • a Department of Clinical Psychology, VU University, Amsterdam, Netherlands, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, Amsterdam, Netherlands, Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
  • b Department of Education, Faculty of Social Sciences, Groningen University, Groningen, Netherlands
  • c Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, United Kingdom
  • d Department of Clinical Psychology, VU University, Amsterdam, Netherlands, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • e Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
  • f Department of Clinical Psychology, VU University, Amsterdam, Netherlands, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Currently, little is known about the views that Turkish migrants hold towards suicide, which may differ from the narratives held by native inhabitants of their host countries. Central to improving the provision of mental health services, furthering our knowledge of these views is important. The aim of this research was to explore Turkish cultural understandings on suicide and help-seeking for suicide. A qualitative study included data from 6 focus groups and 7 individual interviews with 38 Turkish-speaking lay people and 4 key informants living in the Netherlands or the UK during the year 2014/2015. Through the analysis of participants’ stories and narratives, the following key themes emerged in relation to suicide: suicide as an escape from failure and as a failure in itself; acculturation orientation; parenting style; and shame and stigma. There were more similarities than differences between the themes among laypersons and key informants from two countries. Canına kıymak (crushing life energy) was a strong metaphor for personal distress. Suicide was perceived as a failing of responsibilities towards the family and community. Future research should aim to give voice to all ethnocultural groups to further the present understanding of suicide and help-seeking processes in these communities. © 2016 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Author Keywords

qualitative research culture Turkish migrants Suicide

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84964053121&doi=10.1080%2f17542863.2016.1161653&partnerID=40&md5=10b56d74332394460f3d3df627566452
DOI: 10.1080/17542863.2016.1161653
ISSN: 17542863
Cited by: 1
Original Language: English