Culture and Suicidal Behaviour

The IASP Special Interest Group (SIG) on Culture and Suicide brings together members interested in the socio-cultural context of suicide research and prevention, with a particular focus on Low-and-Middle-Income countries and immigrant and refugee populations.

Objectives: to co-develop projects on specific subthemes (e.g. suicide prevention strategies in different cultural settings; spirituality/religion; human/women rights; gender issues including gender-based violence and domestic/family violence; suicide prevention in low resource settings; community-based suicide prevention; arts and culture; art-based/visual methodologies, culturally sensitive/appropriate research methods) based on the interest of the members. 

More specifically, the SIG has the following goals: 

a) share resources and information relevant to the topic of culture and suicidal behaviour (including publications and funding opportunities); 

b) discuss ideas and provide suggestions around culturally-sensitive suicide research and prevention activities; 

c) deepen knowledge about and advocate for a greater consideration of the socio-cultural context of suicidal behaviour and for the development of suicide prevention strategies; 

d) represent a point of reference for individuals and organisations seeking expertise on the SIG theme and sub-themes; e) Identify potential funders and co-apply for financial support to initiate and carry out SIG specific research and prevention projects and organise themed meetings/conferences/workshops.