Exploring the Complexities of Suicide Bereavement Research

Abstract

Statistics indicate a projected increase in the number of suicides by those in receipt of mental health services in England. Research has also shown that the impact of suicide on individuals who have lost someone to suicide have an increased risk of poor physical and mental health, including a higher risk of suicidality. However, research within suicide bereavement is limited due to the lack of methodologically robust studies involving those bereaved through suicide. This paper will offer an overview of current debates in the suicide bereavement literature and discuss a forthcoming qualitative study that will examine the impact of suicide by those in receipt of mental health services on their families. The current research will utilise a constructivist grounded theory approach. Analysis of the data will include a process of coding and comparison, leading to theory generation. This study aims to contribute to knowledge of the impact of suicide on family members (where the deceased was in receipt of mental health services) and how to provide effective post-intervention support for these particular families.

Longitudinal Changes in Suicide Bereavement Experiences: A Qualitative Study of Family Members over 18 Months after Loss

“…Ali [51] suggests that consideration of the indigenous cultural context is crucial for generating knowledge on adaptive reactions to grief. The two present cases shed light on the impact of Chinese culture on individuals' bereavement.…”

Suicide prevention and the workplace

“…Responses were recoded to yes/ever or no/never, with no/never serving as the reference group. While the study of suicide has largely focused on the decedent-e.g., identifying risk factors, assessing whether there was a prior diagnosis or symptoms of a mental illness, etc.-the literature reflects a greater awareness of and interest in the impact on those left behind after a suicide, or affected by a suicide attempt (Aguirre & Slater, 2010;Ali, 2015;Burke et al, 2010;Feigelman, Jordan, & Gorman, 2009;Hibberd, Elwood, & Galovski, 2010). The term suicide "survivor" to describe the friends and loved ones has been in favor since Edwin Shneidman, the eminent suicidologist, coined the use of the term "survivor-victims" to describe the support of those impacted by a suicide death.…”