Percepción social de la comunidad acerca del suicidio en Pasto y Tumaco, Nariño: divergencias y puntos de encuentro

Abstract

In order to recognise and compare the social perception of suicide in the communities
of Tumaco and Pasto Nariño`s cities (Colombia), a qualitative research based on the Bronfrenbrenner ecological model was carried out. Six deductive categories were analyzed: health, suicidal behaviour, education, economy, culture and mass
media. Focus groups and interview were performed with adolescents, young adults, and adults. The community from Tumaco tends to associate suicide to other kind of violent behaviours, like homicide, while the community from Pasto tends to associate
suicide with emotional states and isolation. Risk and protection factors were identified both common in the two cities and different for each context. It is highlighted the relation between suicide, and the social situation in the cities; in this sense, culture is
a fundamental factor in the perception of suicide behaviour. It is conclude the need to strengthen the role of the psychologist in community intervention, planning and discussion on programmes oriented to the promotion and the prevention of social
problems.