A Review of Sociological Theories of Suicide and Their Relevance in Sri Lankan Context

Abstract

Suicide is one of the leading causes of morality in Sri Lanka (Mnistry of Health Sri Lanka, 2001). It causes a major burden to the individual, family, the health care delivery system and the society at large. In addressing this important issue in an aetiological perspective, examining sociological theories is of special value, considering the high rate of suicide, which cannot be solely explained by mental ill health of the population. The earliest sociological explanations for suicide were presented by Emile Durkheim, a French sociological theories of suicide, namely anomic, egoistic, altruistic and fatalistic. The social elements described were subsequently expanded by several other sociologists. These include theories of social isolation, role conflict, imitation, reaction from the society, opportunity, social integration and rational suicide. The understanding of the sociological theories would help researchers and service providers to focus on an important, yet neglected aspect of the role of the society in relation to the high rate of suicide in the country. In addition, it is of value in formulating preventive strategies in a broader perspective.This paper discusses the sociological theories with case examples from Sri Lanka.