The Aftermath of Suicide: Attitudes of those bereaved by suicide, of social workers, and of a community sample

Abstract

The Aftermath of Suicide Instrument was administered to subjects who had experienced the suicide of a relative or close friend, to a community sample, and to psychiatric social workers. There were a number of significant differences in responses of the bereaved and those of the community sample, suggesting that the bereaved may experience some community reactions as unhelpful. The responses of the social workers were generally congruent with those of the bereaved, indicating that they would be empathic and supportive in their contact. The most marked difference was that the social workers less often perceived suicide to be caused by mental illness than did either the bereaved or the community sample. The Aftermath of Suicide Instrument appears to be a useful tool in elucidating social and professional reactions toward suicide.