Intimate relationships and Suicidal Behaviour of Men in Bangladesh

Abstract

Suicidal behaviour (e.g., suicide and suicide attempt) is a multifaceted phenomenon which often draws on several social and psychological contexts. This research examines how men's suicides and attempted suicides are embedded in the contextual praxis of intimate relationships in Bangladesh. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were undertaken with family members, close relatives, and friends of 37 men who died by suicide or attempted suicide. This research's findings identify five key risk factors associated with men's suicide and attempted suicide, namely: troubles over the designated family provider's responsibilities; troubles emanating from second marriage; betrayal of loyalties; complications in non-marital relationships; and feelings of no control over wife. Each theme suggests that men who died by suicide or who attempted suicide found it challenging to balance their culturally expected (hegemonic) masculine image with their intimate relationships. Suicide and attempted suicide surfaced as a consequence of such challenges in their life. Efforts are suggested to lessen the burden on men's masculine expectations and promote an egalitarian social space in order to reduce suicide risk in men.

Men, relationships and partner-initiated break-ups: A narrative analysis

“…In recommending tailored interventions such as narrative therapy, we also suggest there are important potential advances for gender theory by integrating masculinities to the design and evaluation of these transformative services ( Kågesten and Chandra-Mouli, 2020 ; Seidler et al, 2022 ). Connell’s (2005) masculinities framework has usefully offered a plurality of relational gendered scripts within (and after) men’s intimate partner relationships ( Khan et al, 2021 ; Oliffe et al, 2022 ; River and Flood, 2021 ). Further, inclusive masculinity theory (IMT), in suggesting that femininity has become less stigmatized to expand the behaviours valued and embodied by men (i.e.…”

“…The other often-told and related narrative features men’s anger for all that was invested (and lost) in the relationship, including their sense of wasted emotional labour along with break-up induced financial losses and/or restricted access to their children ( McQueen, 2017 ). Men’s anger as socially normed but deeply stigmatized is consistently linked to IPV and DV, as well as male self-harm and suicidality ( River and Flood, 2021 ; Khan et al, 2021 ). Even though such dire outcomes occur in the minority of partner-initiated break-ups ( Kerr and Capaldi, 2011 ), most storylines belabour the role of unhealthy masculinities characterized by domination, control, aggression and power as key drivers of men’s negative behaviours both within and following distressed intimate partner relationships.…”

“…The aforementioned research on masculinities, men’s mental health challenges and intimate partner relationships can be conceptualized as somewhat awkwardly occupying a deficit - strength binary. That is, deficit models consistently connect patriarchy to men’s power plays, dominance, control and aggression in and after relationship break-ups ( Connell and Messershmidt, 2005 ; River and Flood, 2021 ; Khan et al, 2021 ); whereas strength-based masculinities highlight men who embody efforts for self-health, and the well-being of significant others ( Hartman, 2019 , 2021 ; Rice et al, 2021 ).…”

“…Many men experience the end of an intimate partner relationship as injurious, and cope by relying on gendered practices that include the ineffectual concealment and/or expression of negative emotions and mental health challenges ( Oliffe et al, 2022 ). The effects of relationship break-ups range from emotional distress with disruptions to men’s social status ( Hartman, 2021 ) through self-harm and suicide as revenge for partner betrayal ( River and Flood, 2021 ; Khan et al, 2021 ). Partner-initiated break-ups in particular can result in rejection sensitivities that heighten the potential for men to perpetrate intimate partner violence (IPV) and domestic violence (DV) ( Downey et al, 2000 ) and in extreme cases, homicide ( Kalish and Kimmel, 2010 ).…”

Why the victims of Intimate partner violence is increasing in Bangladesh: Understanding the Connection Between Hegemonic Masculinity and Intimate Partner Violence’

“…Connell (1995) outlines a hierarchy of masculinities, with hegemonic masculinity placed above subordinate, complicit, and marginalized masculinities. Thus, hegemonic masculinity strengthens the patriarchal gender system, which prioritizes certain forms of masculinity over others (Khan et al, 2021). Apart from Connell's (1995) concept of hegemonic masculinity, this research has attempted to explain how offenders internalize cultural norms to preserve and reproduce hegemonic norms through their acts Vol 1 (2) | December 2022 | complicatedly justified and maintained by the notion of religion also in some parts of the region.…”