Suicide in the context of generalist social work approach and its environment: The case of Elâzığ

In this study, people who applied to Elazig Fırat University Hospital as a result of suicidal behavior between August 1 and October 31, 2021 and their relatives who can be reached were interviewed using a semi-structured interview forms prepared by the researcher. Purposeful sampling technique was used in this qualitative research. A total of 31 cases were reached; a total of 55 people, 21 of whom were suicide attempters, were interviewed. Case reports were prepared for all of the interviews. Content analysis of the data obtained during the interviews was conducted in the research. In this way, the data were defined and the data, which were connected and similar to each other, were interpreted by bringing them together with the support of the literature on certain concepts and themes. The main purpose of the research is to rely on familial relationship networks underlying suicidal behavior and the level of risk for suicidal behavior in today's family structures, life histories resulting in suicidal behavior, and familial and social experiences in the context of the issue holistically with a generalist social work perspective on the basis of ecological approach, attachment theory and crisis intervention approach. As a result, the history of the problems in the life stories of the people, the existence of social service and professional support resources applied for the solution of these problems, the level of effectiveness of these supports in ensuring well-being and their current needs; It is aimed to determine the structure and deficiencies of the social service and social assistance network for the solution of suicide, which is a public health problem, with a generalist social work perspective. When a total of 31 cases of suicidal behavior, 3 of which resulted in death, were evaluated in general, within the scope of research; It is seen that the problems causing suicidal behavior in 29 cases have a long-term history, and the cases and their families have complex problems. According to the information obtained from 55 interviews, it has been determined that all of the relevant people do not have a history of contact with a social worker in any health institution. According to the information obtained, these people, who have chronic disease histories, addiction histories, anger control problems, chronic familial problems and long-term financial difficulties, did not contact social workers in health institutions even for psychological support, counseling, guidance and information. Findings showed that there are deficiencies in both the detection of cases, the quality of service and the access of services to people, as well as the number and competence of personnel. When evaluated from this point of view, the importance of problems such as the limited employment of social workers in health, the difficulties experienced in the job descriptions of the current professional staff, the inability to use the personnel in the problem areas effectively and efficiently, the lack of development of planned and standardized services designed to identify risk areas and reach those concerned, are better understood. Keywords: Social work 1, Suicide 2, Generalist approach 3