Year: 2009 Source: International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-Being, v.4, no.1, (2009), p.4-16 SIEC No: 20100498

This study examined & interpreted the lived experiences of emigration, substance abuse, & suicidal behaviour in young non-Western men in Scandinavia. Data were collected in open-ended interviews & a phenomenological hermeneutic approach was used to analyse the data. Structural analysis identified 3 themes: the meaning of getting in a tight spot; the meaning of being in a fog; & the meaning of the burning bed. Substance abuse & suicidal behaviour were explicit expressions of not being well, when living in a maze that was perceived as closed. Both problem-focused & emotion-focused coping were used by the participants. (52 refs.) JA