Distancing: A traditional mechanism of dealing with suicide among the Baganda,Uganda

Abstract

This qualitative study investigated attitudes and cultural responses to suicide among the Baganda in Uganda using both focus group discussions and key-informant interviews. Interviews indicate that suicide is perceived as dangerous to the whole family and the entire community. Communities and family members adopt various ritual practices to distance themselves both symbolically and socially from the suicide. These rituals are characterized by broad themes: the regulation of affect and the attempt to secure future generations.

Keywords

distancing suicide traditional mechanism Uganda

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