Year: 2007 Source: International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-Being, v.2, no.4, (2007), p.246-259 SIEC No: 20100497

This study illuminated the experiences of suicidal behaviour in young Norwegian men with long-term substance abuse & interpreted their narratives with regard to meaning. Data were collected using open-ended, in-depth interviews. A phenomenological hermeneutic approach was used to analyse the data. 3 themes were identified: the meaning of relating; the meaning of reflecting; & the meaning of acting. A comprehensive understanding of data indicated that the meaning of living with suicidal behaviour could be understood as a movement between different positions of wanting death as an escape from pain & hope for a better life. How the participants experienced & constructed masculinity influenced the suicidal behaviour. (113 refs.)