The lived experiences of brokered brides who have attempted suicide in Taiwan.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of brokered brides who have attempted suicide in Taiwan.


BACKGROUND
There has been a significant rise in number of brokered brides since the 1970s in Western world and since the 1990s in several Asian countries. However, there is a great lack of research on brokered brides' suicide around the world.


METHODS
A descriptive phenomenological study was used to explore the lived experiences of brokered brides who have attempted suicide.


METHODS
Purposive sampling, one-on-one, in-depth with semi-structural interviews were conducted to collect data. Narratives were analysed by Colaizzi's (1978) seven-step method.


RESULTS
Data saturation was achieved after interviewing 12 brokered brides. The study group was comprised of females whose average age was 33. Three themes and the sub-themes were: being a chrysalis (loss of support, loneliness, suffering abused experience, loss of self-esteem), death of a chrysalis (loss of hope and seeking salvation) and birth of a chrysalis (regaining hope and sense of self-worth).


CONCLUSIONS
These brokered brides suffered from numerous pressures and difficulties in life. Their hopelessness led to suicidal behaviours as a way to get out of trouble. Hence, the need to provide brokered brides with substantial assistance and support in their lives is an issue that cannot be neglected. The results of this study could be used as a reference to provide professionals and the public with a deeper understanding of suicide in this vulnerable group, and provide more appropriate help and care. Relevance to clinical practice. The suffering may be alleviated by giving brokered brides a reliable support system that they so obviously need. Several recommendations have been made, including amendments in terms of policy, society and the services offered by healthcare professionals.
Lin
Yao-Yu
YY
Department of Health, Tsaotun Psychiatric Center, Tsaotun, Taiwan, Republic of China.
Huang
Xuan-Yi
XY
Chen
Chung-Ying
CY
Shao
Wen-Chuan
WC
D000328:Adult; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003906:Developing Countries; D004243:Divorce / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005195:Family Relations; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008016:Life Change Events; D008393:Marriage / Q000523:psychology; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016019:Survival Analysis; D013624:Taiwan; D055815:Young Adult