A Call for Research: The Need to Better Understand the Impact of Support Groups for Suicide Survivors

Abstract

Support groups for suicide survivors (those individuals bereaved following a suicide) are widely used, but little research evidence is available to determine their efficacy. This paper outlines the pressing public health need to conduct research and determine effective ways to identify and meet the needs of suicide survivors, particularly through survivor support groups. After describing the various approaches to survivor support groups, we explain the need for further research, despite the inherent challenges. Finally, we pose several questions for researchers to consider as they work with survivors to develop a research agenda that sheds more light on the experiences of survivors and the help provided by survivor support groups.

Experiences of suicide bereavement: a qualitative study exploring the role of the GP

“…Evidence for the efficacy of suicide bereavement support groups is lacking 21 but, in keeping with a study by Groos and colleagues, 22 participants in this study repeatedly emphasised the therapeutic effects of participation in a suicide bereavement group, describing the power of healing through shared experiences in a nurturing environment. All participants found their support group by word of mouth after a long delay, exposing the need for increased integration of voluntary and professional services, and the need for a professional individual to guide survivors of suicide towards additional care resources at the appropriate time.…”

Exploring the Complexities of Suicide Bereavement Research

“…Considering the diversity of suicide survivors and their experiences, some professional or community based interventions can negatively impact some suicide survivors. Criticisms of formal interventions include their use of a blanket approach in providing generic support for suicide survivors, which by ignoring cultural or individual differences can potentially be more harmful in some cases (Cerel et al, 2009). In addition, it is acknowledged that some strategies created and led by health professionals or clinicians may be unable to meet the identified needs of suicide survivors.…”

“…Individuals most likely to access bereavement support groups are those who want to share their experiences with others who can truly empathise with their situation (Young et al, 2012). A minority of suicide survivors may also become activists in campaigning, lobbying and advocacy in suicide prevention initiatives, thereby channeling their grief into practical ways of raising awareness with others and wider society (Cerel et al, 2009).…”

“…This means that changes may be made to the interview guide to research further participants where necessary in order to check or test emerging theories. practical ways of raising awareness with others and wider society (Cerel et al, 2009).…”

“…Therefore, recommending a need for effective and timely practical support to assist the grieving process and promote the recovery of individuals affected by suicide. Determining the exact number of individuals in a person's social network who are affected by a suicide is difficult to establish from current literature, with approximations varying from 6 individuals to 100 people (Cerel, Padgett, Conwell, & Reed, 2009). Despite this uncertainty, the increase in suicide numbers confirms that more individuals will be exposed to and affected by a suicide in the near future.…”