Targeting suicide - qualitative analysis of suicide prevention strategy documents in England and Finland

Authors:
SOLIN Pia, NIKANDER Pirjo
Journal article citation:
Mental Health Review Journal, 16(1), March 2011, pp.5-14.
Publisher:
Emerald

In a policy context, suicide is not easily defined, understood or prevented. It leaves a long-lasting mental and social burden on those left behind, as well as direct consequences on the health sector and society as a whole. The means policy itself is often difficult to turn into action. This review details the interpretative repertoires found in the suicide prevention strategies of both England and Finland, and examines their potential functions and audiences. In both nations, the political repertoire was formed from four themes: the public health epidemiology; the everyday; the preventive action; and the reflective repertoires. The paper outlines the polyphonic and multi-layered nature of these policy documents and how different repertoires may be used for various functions. The paper concludes that, while the polyphonic nature of policy documents is necessary to reach a wider readership and to capture suicide as a controversial phenomenon, its argumentative style may also undermine some of the measures and actions recommended by policy itself.

Subject terms:
mental health problems, prevention, suicide, government policy;
Content type:
research review
Location(s):
England, Finland
Link:
Journal home page
ISSN print:
1361-9322

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