González RM, Martínez GL, Ferrer LDM

Language: Spanish
References: 0
Page: 281-295
PDF size: 118.66 Kb.

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Suicidal behavior has been addressed in Cuba, from studies that mainly describe the epidemiological characteristics of children with suicidal intent and without looking into other perspectives that could contribute to a more efficient prevention.
Objective: To characterize the functioning of families of children with suicidal intent.
Methods: From a qualitative research approach, a multiple case study was carried out, with exploratory and descriptive scope. Eight families of students attended by suicide attempt were selected at University Polyclinic Marta Abreu. The techniques used were: review of medical records, interviews, Phrase Completion, Graphic Comics, Drawing of a suggested topic, Family Violence Questionnaire, Family Function Tes. Data were processed through content analysis and qualitative information triangulation procedures, such as data matrices, thematic analyzes and relationship categorial diagrams.
Results: The methods employed in suicide attempts were mostly ingestion of drugs, considered moderately serious and risky lethal. The triggers of the attempts were directly related to the presence of intrafamily child abuse. In the families there was a predominance of rural or suburban origin, with generally nuclear structures. A dysfunctionality was found, characterized by difficulties in maintaining basic processes of family dynamics, which resulted in non-fulfillment of specific functions such as parenting and socialization.
Conclusions: In the eight families there was dysfunctionality, due to difficulties in fulfilling the educational function and the non-adaptability to paranormative crises.