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.