Making a symbolic gesture: a qualitative examination of self-immolation in Iran

Mozhgan Taban (), Seyed Kazem Malakouti (), Hadi Ranjbar (), Mehrdad Eftekhar Ardebili (), Seyed Abbas Motavalian (), Mehran Zarghami (), Habibolah Khazaie (), Hamideh Mohammadi Farsani () and Zahra Ghiasi ()
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Mozhgan Taban: Iran University of Medical Sciences
Seyed Kazem Malakouti: Iran University of Medical Sciences
Hadi Ranjbar: Iran University of Medical Sciences
Mehrdad Eftekhar Ardebili: Iran University of Medical Sciences
Seyed Abbas Motavalian: Iran University of Medical Science
Mehran Zarghami: Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Center Zare Hospital
Habibolah Khazaie: Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences (KUMS)
Hamideh Mohammadi Farsani: Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences
Zahra Ghiasi: Zahedan University of Medical Sciences

Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, 2019, vol. 53, issue 4, No 20, 2117-2130

Abstract: Abstract Self-immolation is one of the most dramatic methods of committing suicide. Some regions in Iran have a high prevalence of suicide by this method. This study aims to understand and explore the experience of self-immolated women in Iran. Twenty women have interviewed in the burns centers of three different cities immediately the following hospitalization due self-immolation, and the data was analyzed using conventional content analysis. The results were categorized in three main categories: Cultural background and preparing the stage, making a symbolic gesture and events of the day of the incident. Making a symbolic gesture consists of the critical elements of self-immolation, including the presence of significant others, dramatic presentation of misery, bringing an end to misfortune, proof of innocence, creating a sense of compassion or guilt and inspiration from similar cases. The social situation of women in Iran is contributing to self-immolation through feelings of anger and helplessness.

Keywords: Suicide; Self-immolation; Iran; Helplessness; Anger; Qualitative (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
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DOI: 10.1007/s11135-019-00859-9

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