SOCIO-PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS AND SUICIDE RELATED BEHAVIOURS AMONG FARMERS

Abstract

Using the theoretical premise of the linkage between sociopsychologicalfactors and mental stress leading to suicide behaviour, thispaper discusses the social and psychological factors, mental stress leadingto suicide behaviour, and the nature of suicide behaviours. The paper isbased on the data from an empirical study conducted in the district of Kannurin the state of Kerala. The study covered a sample of 30 individuals fromthe agricultural community who had unsuccessful suicide attempts in thepast. The main factors that produce stress situation that is conducive tosuicide related behaviour include poor housing condition and economichardships, unfavourable work place situation and household activities, anddisruptive interpersonal relationships within and outside family. Significantcorrelation was found between these factors and stress situation. The stresssituation experienced by the individuals led to fantasising suicide (or suicideideation), suicide intent and suicide related behaviours, such as thoseconcerning presence of others, planned timing, precaution against rescue,
planned execution, objective of changing environment and certainty of death.Individuals under chronic stress resort to the suicide related behaviour
patterns in different degrees.