Revista Colombiana de Psicología (Jun 2011)

ELEMENTOS PARA UNA POLÍTICA PÚBLICA DESDE LA PERCEPCIÓN DEL SUICIDIO EN NARIÑO/ ELEMENTS FOR A PUBLIC POLICY BASED ON THE PERCEPTION OF SUICIDE IN NARIÑO

  • DAYRA ELIZABETH OJEDA ROSERO,
  • FREDY HERNÁN VILLALOBOS GALVIS

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 20, no. 1
pp. 57 – 73

Abstract

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The objective of this study of community perceptions regardingthe suicide of young people in the Department ofNariño (Colombia) was to provide elements for the formulationof a public policy. A qualitative study was carried outon the basis of focal groups and individual interviews withdifferent population sectors in the municipalities of Pasto,La Unión, Tumaco, and Ipiales. Perceived protective and riskfactors at the individual, family, socio-cultural, and politicallevels were analyzed, and the results were validated with theparticipating population. The social actors perceive suicideas a multi-determined problem that involves cognitive, relational,educational, economic, political, and cultural aspects.The study highlighted the need to implement inclusive socialpolicies aimed at fostering protective factors such as socialsupport, integrated education, and the availability of leisuretime activities, and programs that promote personal skills andcompetences, as well as the need to design joint strategies toreduce risk factors.

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