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Who minus who": suicide in Boston's Ethiopian community

Profile image of Eva MelstromEva Melstrom

2014

Abstract

program professors and peers. I would like to acknowledge Dr. Linda Barnes for her time and efforts in assisting in the development of my work. Her long hours and support were essential throughout this journey. Her guidance enriched my work and enabled me to grow as a Medical Anthropologist. I am also grateful for Dr. Lance Laird's support, which was essential in establishing this study. He led me toward new directions and helped me explore and solidify important avenues of thought. Dr. Diane Weiner was also instrumental to this thesis, giving constant and lively encouragement during trying bureaucratic deliberations. Her matchless positive spirit was the best remedy for graduate weariness and life's challenges. Her compassion, thoughtfulness, and dedication for students and life will remain with me forever. During the end stages of this study, Dr. Bayla Ostrach provided insightful and supportive feedback at a moment's notice. She exhibited an endless dedication to her students and our work, always encouraging us. I give deepest thanks to the Ethiopian community of Boston, who welcomed me with kindness. I am grateful to all of those who took time out of their lives to participate in this study. Their efforts and abilities to accurately report details of past events and people were outstanding and essential to this study. I am thankful for the guidance, encouragement, and love of my family-Mom, Dad, Amber, Max, and Keegan. Lastly, and most affectionately, infinite thanks to Derek Wilson, who read, reread, and edited countless drafts of this thesis. I am enormously grateful for his steadfast support and companionship. v "WHO MINUS WHO": SUICIDE IN BOSTON'S ETHIOPIAN COMMUNITY

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