The suicide of Ṣàngó through the prism of Integrated Motivational–Volitional model of suicide: implications for culturally sensitive public education among the Yorùbá

Abstract

Recent studies have continued to recommend community-based public enlightenment and education as a key suicide-prevention strategy in sub-Saharan Africa. The role of socio-cultural factors in suicidal behaviours and the relevance of cultural factors in better understanding of and formulating more effective prevention strategies for suicidal behaviours are gaining wider acceptance. Therefore, in a multi-ethnic and multicultural region like sub-Saharan Africa, successful public enlightenment campaign has to be cognisant of specific cultural and historical nuances of suicidal behaviours in different ethnic groups. Understanding cultural contexts requires a foray into the history, cultural beliefs and the worldview of a people. We present a brief narrative of the cultural and historical perspectives of the Yorùbá people of sub-Saharan Africa about suicide. We then further situate the suicide of Ṣàngó – a well-known historical icon among the Yorùbá – within the framework of the Integrated Motivational–Volitional model of suicide. The outcome is a culturally and historically nuanced and a theoretically sound public enlightenment tool that can be used among the Yorùbá. Broader lessons for successful public enlightenment about suicide in Yorùbá communities – and indeed the sub-Saharan Africa region – were also drawn.