Suicide notes from Mexico and the United States: a thematic analysis

Abstract

Suicide notes from Mexico and the United States: a thematic analysis. Salud Publica Mex 2009;51:314-320. AbstractObjective. This study sought to investigate suicide notes drawn from Mexico and the United States (US) as these countries share geographical proximity, but markedly different cultures and suicide rates. Material and Methods. A theoretical conceptual analysis of 102 suicide notes drawn from these countries, matched for age and sex, was undertaken based on a thematic model of suicide developed by Leenaars, 1,2 across countries. Results. The inter-judge reliability was adequate (.86 coefficient of concordance). Conclusions. The results suggested that there are more psychological commonalities than differences. Yet, as this study marks the first one using suicide notes, between Mexico and the USA, much greater study is warranted. Chávez-Hernández AM, Leenaars AA, Chávez-de Sánchez MI, Leenaars L. Notas suicidas de México y Estados Unidos: un análisis temático. Salud Publica Mex 2009;51:314-320. ResumenObjetivo. Este estudio tuvo por objetivo la comparación de notas suicidas (póstumas) de México y de Estados Unidos, países que aunque vecinos geográficos, presentan marcadas diferencias culturales y porcentajes de suicidio. Material y métodos. Se realizó un análisis conceptual de 102 notas (51 mexicanas, 51 estadunidenses), pareadas por edad y sexo. Se utilizó el Modelo temático de suicidio desarrollado por Leenaars 1,2 y que ha sido la base de varios estudios en diversos países. Resultados. La técnica de Análisis de contenido obtuvo un adecuado nivel de concordancia (86%) con el Método de interjueces. Conclusiones. Los resultados informan que existen más semejanzas que diferencias psicológicas entre ambas muestras. El presente es el primer estudio que utiliza notas suicidas entre ambos países.Palabras clave: suicidio/psicología; análisis temático; estudio comparativo; México, Estados Unidos (1) Universidad de Guanajuato. León Guanajuato, México.(2) Investigadores independientes.

A Content Analysis of Online Suicide Notes: Attempted Suicide Versus Attempt Resulting in Suicide

“…Both content and thematic analyses have been conducted on suicide notes to identify certain themes which emerge within different types of suicide notes, with varying levels of success (Chávez‐Hernández, Leenaars, Chávez‐de Sánchez, & Leenaars, ; Ioannou & Debowska, ; O'Connor et al., ). Handelman and Lester () looked at the content of notes left by attempters and completers of suicide and found that the data obtained from suicide notes of those who completed the act showed that their notes were more likely to have references to other people, and fewer references to inclusive space (e.g., words such as “with” or “include”).…”

Perfil de suicidas chilenos vía análisis de contenido de notas póstumas

“…Suicide note studies are still scarce in Latin America; Among the first reported are those conducted in Mexico studying general population (Chávez-Hernández, 1988;Chávez-Hernández & Macías-García, 2007;Chávez-Hernández, Macías-García, & Luna-Lara, 2011) and one that focused on suicide notes left by children (Páramo-Castillo & Chávez-Hernández, 2007). Studies comparing Mexican and international samples have also been conducted (Chávez-Hernández et al, 2006;Chávez-Hernández, Leenaars, Chávez-de-Sánchez, & Leenaars, 2009).…”

We Need to Talk About Psychological Pain

“…For some of our patients that pain becomes unbearable, and it is hardly surprising that psychological pain is the most often mentioned reason for suicide (Chavez-Hernandez, Leenaars, Chavez-de Sanchez, & Leenaars, 2009). For example, due to a pervasive illness or break-up of a romantic relationship, due to the prospect of losing a loved one because of a terminal disease, or due to old age that may come with a declining support system and social isolation.…”