Dr. Wassenaar et al., WOMEN IN CULTURAL TRANSITION - SUICIDAL-BEHAVIOR IN SOUTH-AFRICAN INDIAN WOMEN, Suicide & life-threatening behavior, 28(1), 1998, pp. 82-93
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.