Exploring the coping strategies of women after self-immolation: A qualitative study

Background: Women confront a slew of issues following self-immolation, and it is crucial to examine how women react after self-immolation and live with their scars. Therefore, this study was conducted with the aim of exploring the coping strategies of Kurdish women following self-immolation using a qualitative methodology. Methods: The conventional content analysis approach was used in this qualitative investigation. Semi-structured face-to-face and phone interviews were conducted with 26 Kurdish women who had self-immolated and were chosen using purposeful sampling and snowballing for this study. To reinforce the research, Guba and Lincoln's trustworthiness criteria were fulfilled. Results: The data analysis yielded 2 categories, 11 subcategories, and 85 initial codes. Positive coping is one of the categories and subcategories (spirituality, rebuilding their body, psychological rehabilitation, hiding the scars, restoring self-confidence, changing the lifestyle, forming a new life) 2-Negative coping (separation from society, neglecting the body and mind, violence and aggression, staying in the past). Conclusion: Using the capacity of religious organizations to help victims of self-immolation, providing appropriate conditions and facilities to heal the scars caused by self-immolation, and facilitating access to counseling services can provide the conditions for women to better adapt after self-immolation.& COPY; 2022 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.