The lived experiences of brokered brides who have attempted suicide in Taiwan.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 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. DESIGN 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.