TY - JOUR
T1 - Using an Intersectional Approach to Explore the Lived Mental Health Experiences of Traveller Men Affected by Suicide in Ireland
AU - Richardson, Noel
AU - McDonnell, Karolyn
AU - Carroll, Paula
AU - O’Donnell, Shane
N1 - Funding Information:
This exploratory study adopted a qualitative design to meet the study objectives. In devising the research methodology, we considered key contextual factors, including the highly emotive topic of suicide within the Traveller community (), the traditional distrust between Travellers and non-Travellers (), the under-representation of Traveller men in research studies (), as well as the imbalanced power relationships entwined in “doing research” with marginalized groups (). Consequently, we enacted two important paradigms of research: (a) working in partnership with nongovernmental organization Pavee Point Traveller and Roma Centre in codesigning and coleading the research study with a commitment to developing lateral research capacities, and (b) utilizing a community-based participatory research (CBPR) design authentically with Traveller Health Workers and participants (; ; ). Partnership working in research strengthens the impact and reach of studies and is more likely to result in mutually beneficial outcomes and enhanced engagement by the target demographic (). Therefore, the research team engaged closely with and sought to understand the perspectives of the Traveller Health Workers, who were an integral part of developing the topic guide and identifying and recruiting participants to contribute to the study. The study was overseen by an Advisory Group which comprised members from Pavee Point Traveller and Roma Centre and men’s health organizations as well as the Health Service Executive (HSE) in Ireland. Prior to commencing data collection, members of the research team engaged in anti-racism training which helped the team members to reflect on any potential biases, assumptions, or preconceptions about Travellers. All these considerations were deemed crucial in ensuring transparency and trustworthiness in the research design. Funding for the study was provided via a research grant from the National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP). The study received Ethical Approval from South East Technological University (SETU) Ethics Committee (Ethical Approval Number 304).
Funding Information:
The author(s) disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: This work was supported by a research grant from the National Office for Suicide Prevention, Ireland (Grant Number 042021).
Publisher Copyright:
© The Author(s) 2023.
PY - 2023/9/1
Y1 - 2023/9/1
N2 - Rates of suicide are seven times higher among Traveller men, an Indigenous ethnic minority group in Ireland, compared with non-Traveller men. Several factors are implicated, including racism, social exclusion, discrimination, inadequate accommodation, unemployment, and lower educational attainment. Systemic and cultural barriers inhibit Traveller men from seeking support. This study addresses a gap in the literature by exploring the lived mental health experiences of Traveller men affected by suicide. Semi-structured interviews (n = 13; aged 19–50) were conducted with Traveller men affected by suicide. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic content analysis was used to analyze the data, which yielded three broad themes. Theme 1, “key determinants of Traveller men’s mental health,” describes the impact on Traveller men of issues relating to accommodation/homelessness, education, and unemployment, as well as frequent exposure to prejudice, discrimination, and racism. Theme 2, “contemporary Traveller masculinities,” considers how Traveller masculinities were shaped by a patrilineal tradition and by historical/ongoing tensions related to their ethnicity. Theme 3, “navigating support seeking and coping with distress,” encapsulates both resistant and proactive approaches used by participants to manage their mental health. The intersection of structural inequalities, internalized racism, Traveller masculinities, and strong historical associations between stigma and mental health/suicide within the Traveller community lies at the heart of the heavy burden of suicide carried by Traveller men. Findings provide a deeper understanding of the sources of distress and pathways to resilience/recovery among Traveller men affected by suicide and can inform the development of more gender- and culturally appropriate suicide prevention interventions.
AB - Rates of suicide are seven times higher among Traveller men, an Indigenous ethnic minority group in Ireland, compared with non-Traveller men. Several factors are implicated, including racism, social exclusion, discrimination, inadequate accommodation, unemployment, and lower educational attainment. Systemic and cultural barriers inhibit Traveller men from seeking support. This study addresses a gap in the literature by exploring the lived mental health experiences of Traveller men affected by suicide. Semi-structured interviews (n = 13; aged 19–50) were conducted with Traveller men affected by suicide. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic content analysis was used to analyze the data, which yielded three broad themes. Theme 1, “key determinants of Traveller men’s mental health,” describes the impact on Traveller men of issues relating to accommodation/homelessness, education, and unemployment, as well as frequent exposure to prejudice, discrimination, and racism. Theme 2, “contemporary Traveller masculinities,” considers how Traveller masculinities were shaped by a patrilineal tradition and by historical/ongoing tensions related to their ethnicity. Theme 3, “navigating support seeking and coping with distress,” encapsulates both resistant and proactive approaches used by participants to manage their mental health. The intersection of structural inequalities, internalized racism, Traveller masculinities, and strong historical associations between stigma and mental health/suicide within the Traveller community lies at the heart of the heavy burden of suicide carried by Traveller men. Findings provide a deeper understanding of the sources of distress and pathways to resilience/recovery among Traveller men affected by suicide and can inform the development of more gender- and culturally appropriate suicide prevention interventions.
KW - ethnic minority
KW - intersectionality
KW - suicide
KW - Traveller masculinities
UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/15579883231189063
U2 - 10.1177/15579883231189063
DO - 10.1177/15579883231189063
M3 - Article
C2 - 37688409
AN - SCOPUS:85170347136
SN - 1557-9883
VL - 17
SP - 15579883231189063
JO - American Journal of Men's Health
JF - American Journal of Men's Health
IS - 5
ER -
