WOMEN IN CULTURAL TRANSITION - SUICIDAL-BEHAVIOR IN SOUTH-AFRICAN INDIAN WOMEN

Young South African Indian women are a population with relatively high rates of suicidal behavior. This article presents three illustrative case studies of nonfatal suicidal behavior by South African Indian wom en. The cases are discussed in relation to a review of epidemiological , historical, and sociocultural perspectives on South African Indian w omen, It is argued that suicidal behaviors in this group can be unders tood in the context of sociocultural transition. Transitional tensions between traditional Indian culture and Westernization have an impact on traditional gendered power relations and generate conflicts that ha ve intrapsychic and interpersonal consequences for women and for men. These in turn may have adverse effects on marital functioning, quality of life, and specific aspects of emotional functioning, which have be en identified as precursors of suicidal behavior. The case studies are discussed with reference to gender narratives. Implications for preve ntion, intervention, and future research are discussed.