Psychological Risk Factors of Suicidal Ideation among Acid Attack Survivors: An Interpersonal Theory of Suicide Perspective

Abstract

This research aims to investigate the psychological risk factors contributing to suicidal ideation and attempts among acid attack survivors in Pakistan, with a particular focus on the sociocultural dynamics within the Pakistani context. This qualitative study explores the lived experiences, psychological impacts, and social reintegration of survivors, aiming to understand the psychological factors that precipitate suicidal ideation and the subsequent actions taken by these individuals. Additionally, the research examines the coping mechanisms employed by survivors in the aftermath of their attacks. Grounded in a phenomenological framework, this study emphasizes the personal experiences of survivors and their perceptions of recovery or suicidal thoughts. A purposive sampling method was used to select 16 participants, aged between 18 and 45 years, all of whom had experienced acid attacks. This sample ensured a diversity of perspectives across age, gender, and cultural backgrounds. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and the data were analyzed using a template analysis approach to explore the survivors' experiences and their interpretations of these events. The analysis revealed that survivors commonly experienced feelings of thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, and significant distress, all of which were identified as key psychological risk factors for suicidal ideation. Emergent subthemes included loneliness, absence of reciprocal care, liability, self-hatred, psychological distress, emotional distress, and the coping mechanisms survivors adopted post-incident. The findings of this research contribute significantly to the existing literature by offering a comprehensive understanding of the psychological risk factors for suicidal ideation among acid attack survivors, a population that has been understudied in this regard. This study is one of the few to highlight the psychological factors and the risk of suicidal tendencies in acid attack survivors, providing valuable insights for researchers,