Social context of postsuicide bereavement

Abstract

Abstract In this study, the experiences of survivors of suicide during the first 9 months after the suicide death of a family member were explored. In-depth semistructured interviews with 35 adult survivors of suicide were conducted an average of 5.8 months post-suicide. Subjects were queried regarding the nature of their social relationships, including perceived social support received from others. Sixty-nine percent of the subjects reported experiencing strong social support, while 26% reported at least one experience of perceived stigmatization related to the suicide. Nearly all subjects reported role uncertainty in themselves as to how they should behave as a survivor of suicide and also perceived others as uncomfortable and unsure in their responses toward them.