Suicidal behaviour of young immigrant women in the Netherlands. Can we use Durkheim's concept of 'fatalistic suicide' to explain their high incidence of attempted suicide?

• Published in: Ethnic and racial studies Vol. 32; no. 2; pp. 302 - 322
• Main Authors: van Bergen, Diana, Smit, Johannes H, van Balkom, Anton J. L. M., Saharso, Sawitri
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group 01-02-2009; Taylor & Francis (Routledge)
• Subjects: Autonomy; Behavioural psychology; Cultural factors; Durkheim, Emile; Family; Females; Gender studies; Immigrants; Mental illness; Netherlands; Noncitizens; Risk factors; Stress; Suicide; Suicides & suicide attempts; Women; Women's health; Womens studies; Young adults; Netherlands; Social Sciences & Humanities
• ISSN: 0141-9870; 1466-4356
• DOI: 10.1080/01419870802315043

Young immigrant women of South Asian, Turkish and Moroccan origin in the Netherlands demonstrate disproportionate rates of non-fatal suicidal behaviour. Suicidal behaviour is usually explained from a psychological or medical tradition. However, we would like to emphasize sociological correlates, by examining the relevance of Durkheim's fatalistic suicide, characterized by overregulation. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 115 case files of young women who demonstrated suicidal behaviour, to illuminate their living conditions. The analysis included a comparison of class factors as well as psychiatric and psychological risk factors. In at least half of the cases, South Asian, Turkish and Moroccan women experienced specific stressful life events related to their family honour. Women's lives were often characterized by a lack of self-autonomy. It is concluded that the archetype of fatalistic suicide should be re-evaluated when interpreting the suicidal behaviour of young immigrant women in the Netherlands, and incorporated into strategies of prevention. Adapted from the source document.