“Paradoxes of Interdependence and Dependence”: A qualitative study of economic difficulties and relational encounters prior to men’s suicide in Ghana

ABSTRACT

Purpose

This study aims to explore the relational encounters that are shaped by economic difficulties prior to the suicides of men in Ghana.

Method

Using a qualitative study design, and with the aid of a semi-structured interview guide, data were collected from 21 close relatives of nine men who took their lives in Ghana.

Results/Findings

A Reflective Thematic analysis (RTA) showed themes reflecting four relational tensions corresponding to unique demographic profiles and circumstances of economic dependence on others: from dependence to independence; from control to living with and on others; from provider to dependence; and regaining control in a dependent relational context.

Conclusion

The men’s economic challenges produce paradoxes of interdependence and dependence in that the interdependent social ethic enjoins persons in crises to disclose or seek help from close relations, yet for some men, doing so often draws social taunts, which further taint the social image of these men and contribute to suicides. Increased public education is needed to change unhealthy gender norms that affect men in social and economic adversity. Provision of practical economic support for men in economic and financial adversities is highly recommended.

KEYWORDS:

• Suicide
• Men
• Economic challenges
• Dependence
• Ghana

Acknowledgments

The author wishes to thank the personnel at the Homicide Unit of Ghana Police Service (Headquarters) for assisting in the data collection. Special thanks go to the family and relations of the deceased persons. Without their voluntary participation, this study could not have been possible. The Author also wishes to express his sincere appreciation to the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway, for funding the Ph.D. research, not forgetting the Author’s Ph.D. Research Supervisors and colleagues for the invaluable support during the research on men’s suicide in Ghana. To the Anonymous Reviewers of the Article, your painstaking and critical review of earlier versions of the manuscript cannot be left unacknowledged. I say Thank you.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Contribution to the field statement

The link between economic challenges and males suicides is documented in the literature, yet, how such challenges influence men’s relational contexts, and subsequently create a dynamic shaping their suicides is often ignored. This study explored the experiences of 9 men and their relational encounters following economic challenges prior to their suicides in Ghana. Findings reveal that the men’s social identity crisis was influenced by inability to meet their own needs and, in some instances, that of their dependents due to changing economic circumstances. The situation paradoxically contributed to a situation where dependence for survival contributed to emotional difficulties. The men’s attempt to salvage the situation saw them engage in performances including interpersonal conflicts, substance use, sexual performances and stalking of spouses. These, in turn, diminished their personal and social resources prior to the suicides. This study thus contributes to the field by deepening understanding on the relational dynamics of men and their close relation during economic adversities. Such understanding will help inform intervention for men who lose employment as well as their dependents towards early risk identification and effective help for these men and their close relations.

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Additional information

Funding

This research received support from Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway.

Notes on contributors

Johnny Andoh-Arthur

Johnny Andoh-Arthur is a Social and Community Psychologist and a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Psychology of the University of Ghana. He researches and publishes on mental health, suicide and suicide prevention within cultural contexts (particularly among young persons and men). He obtained his PhD in Health Science and MPhil in Human Development (with specialisation in Community Psychology) all from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway. He obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with Political Science from the University of Ghana. He is a Research Fellow at the Centre for Suicide and Violence Research (CSVR), Ghana, and the Founder of Community and Life Empowerment Advocacy Network, Ghana (CLEAN-GH)- a non-profit organization dedicated to building a network of young persons who transcend the ‘self’ to support persons in various psychosocial distress.