Abstract
Tolstoy, in ‘Death and the meaning of life’, says: “The truth was that life was meaningless. It was as though I had just been living and walking along, and had come to an abyss, where I saw clearly that there was nothing ahead but perdition. And it was impossible to stop and go back, impossible to shut my eyes, in order that I might not see that there was nothing ahead but suffering and imminent death, complete annihilation (Dickenson, 2001).
Suicide act does not only leave family members, relatives and acquaintances shocked, but leaves feelings of anger and resentment, combined with exaggerated guilt. Suicide continues to be a pressing public health problem in South Africa. Suicide is a complete and permanent withdrawal from interaction and therefore a valid field of sociological study.
The aim of the study is to explore the primary causal factors of suicide in Tembisa. A qualitative methodology is used to understand the life events, experiences and beliefs of people who attempted suicide. The focus of the research is on people who received counselling at Tembisa clinics for attempted suicide. A non-probability, purposive sample is utilized to seek information. Five respondents are interviewed. An interview schedule was formulated by the researcher. An interview schedule formulated from literature is utilized to create consistency in face-to-face interviews. The in-depth interviews facilitate exploration.
Data is gathered by means of a literature review, field notes and audiotape transcribed by the researcher. Analysis of the data is done manually according to a schedule. The schedule is developed according to coding categories that are identified when working with raw data. Raw data is given to an independent coder for verification. The information gathered from the raw data is analysed and used to identify themes, which are offered as results. An extensive literature control is conducted, to compare and contrast the findings; and for the purpose of validity.
From the study, methodological and theoretical conclusions are made. Methodological conclusions indicate the effectiveness of using a qualitative methodology and face-to-face interviews in exploring the question under study. The theoretical conclusions indicate the respondents’ understanding of suicide. Recommendations in terms of future research are drawn from research process and the context of the study ensures the link between results and conclusions, and aims and objectives.
The research indicates multifaceted and multi-factorial aspects related to suicide. The understanding of suicide shows a continued struggle for hope.
Dr. Emmarentie Oliphant