AN EXPLORATION OF THE ROLE OF MASCULINITY IN DEVELOPMENT OF SUICIDAL BEHAVIOUR AMONG MEN: A CASE STUDY OF DISTRICT DIR LOWER

Abstract

Masculinity is one of the core contributing factors to suicidal behaviors (Samaritans, 2012).
Framed under qualitative research design, the current study investigates into the role of
masculinity in driving men towards suicidality. This study has been conducted in District Dir
Lower, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Purposive sampling technique has been used to select samples
from the population of interest. A total of 20 men having the history of an attempted suicide
were sampled and interviewed through an interview guide. The collected information has been
analyzed thematically. Findings show that masculinity plays an eminent role in developing
suicidal behavior among me. Unemployment, unrespectable job, failure in achieving economic
success, and failure in fulfilling role and responsibilities of being man damages machismo and
leads to suicidality among men. In addition, bodily expressions e.g. strong physique, drug
abuse, fighting and risk-taking behaviors contributes to development of suicidal behaviors
among men.