The social network of individuals after attempted suicide

the eco-map as a resource

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to characterize, by means of the eco-map, a social support network of people who have attempted suicide. A qualitative study was conducted; the participant observation method was used between 2011 and 2012, in Londrina, Parana, Brazil, with patients who attempted suicide by toxins. During this period, 6 subjects who attempted suicide were interviewed. Two tables and an eco-map for each subject were created to present the data. Two categories were also created from the data: life history and daily social support of the subjects. It was observed that in patients who have attempted suicide to solve their problems, the eco-map was a useful resource to characterize their social support network, which was weakened, allowing prevention strategies for new attempts.