Suicide and Forced Marriage
Journal name: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
Original article title: Suicide and Forced Marriage
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published online at least six times a year. It covers all aspects of medical sciences and prioritizes high-quality research.
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.
Original source:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.
Saxby Pridmore, Garry Walter
Download the PDF file of the original publication
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences:
(A peer-reviewed, open-access journal)
Full text available for: Suicide and Forced Marriage
Year: 2013
Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The increasing recognition of social and environmental stressors as significant contributors to suicide has sparked a reevaluation of the conventional understanding that a majority of suicides are linked primarily to underlying psychiatric disorders. This paper investigates the issue of forced marriages and their potential link to suicide, seeking to provide evidence that suicides may occur in circumstances of extreme distress without the presence of mental illness. It draws upon historical accounts and modern examples to demonstrate how forced marriages can lead to dire consequences, including suicidal actions among individuals deemed mentally healthy prior to these events.
The Concept of "Predicament Suicide"
A crucial concept introduced in this exploration is "predicament suicide," which posits that suicide can be a response to intolerable life circumstances. Forced marriage is categorized within this framework, wherein individuals experience overwhelming pressure and loss of control over their life choices, leading to feelings of entrapment. Examples from mythology, history, and more recent cases illustrate the extreme lengths individuals may go to escape unwanted marital arrangements. Notable cases include Miss Chao from China, who took her life rather than accept an arranged marriage, and Amina Filali from Morocco, who committed suicide after being compelled to marry her rapist, demonstrating how social circumstances drive individuals to see death as a preferable option to living under oppressive constraints.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this paper argues that forced marriage poses a significant risk of suicide, an assertion backed by qualitative analysis of various historical and contemporary cases. With at least eight documented instances illustrating this correlation, the findings challenge the prevailing notion that mental disorders exclusively underlie suicidal actions. By broadening the understanding of suicide to include social and environmental factors, the research not only enriches the conversation around mental health and suicide prevention but also emphasizes the importance of social reform to protect vulnerable individuals from coercive marriage practices that may lead to tragic outcomes.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the relationship between forced marriages and suicide?
Research suggests forced marriages can lead to suicide, even in individuals without underlying psychiatric disorders. Several historical and recent cases highlight this dangerous correlation, indicating the strong emotional and social pressures involved in forced marriages.
What methodologies were used in the study regarding forced marriage suicides?
The study utilized historical records, newspapers, and electronic media. An extensive search was conducted through various academic and media databases to gather examples of suicides associated with forced marriages from ancient texts to the past century.
Can you provide examples from the study related to suicide cases?
The study presents eight cases, including historical examples like Daphne and Aino, and more recent incidents such as Miss Chao from 1919 and Fariba from 2007. These cases illustrate the extreme responses to forced marital situations.
What are the main conclusions drawn from the research?
The findings emphasize the impact of forced marriage on mental health. The study concludes that forced marriages significantly contribute to suicides and that societal changes are needed to protect individuals from such coercive circumstances.
Other Health Sciences Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Suicide and Forced Marriage’. Further sources in the context of Health Sciences might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Marriage, Young women, Mental disorder, Health, Loss of reputation, Forced marriage, Ancient time, Loss of health, Loss of fortune, Suicide, Social condition, Reputation, Arranged marriage, Family relation, Public record, Marital disharmony, Domestic violence, Mental illness, Psychiatric disorder, Political purpose, Mental health professional, Low literacy, Psychosocial risk factors, Environmental stressor, Female suicide, Qualitative methodology, Social stressors, Untreated mental disorder, International attention, Marital issues.