Most of what is known is from personal experiences shared by those bereaved by suicide or those that they have turned to for help. There are three reasons for the paucity of research (Stillion 1996):

Drawing representative samples of suicide grievers is difficult

Differentiating suicide grievers from other traumatic loss victims is problematic

Working with suicide grievers who are often emotionally distressed is a challenge

A recent review of suicide loss research critiques (Ellenbogen and Gratton 2001) noted that concepts are not always operationalized, participant sample sizes are often quite small, measures not intended for grief are frequently used, the theories underlying the studies are not always clearly stated, refusal rates are high, and white, upper/middle class, female grievers are overrepresented.

McIntosh (1996) cites these weaknesses in the current research:

Too few control group studies involving different types of suicide grievers.

Too few kin groups studied (i.e., primarily widows and parents of youth victims).

Too few longitudinal studies measuring response at several points over time.

This lack of comparativeness, diversity, and temporal scope blurs the distinction between survivors and other bereaved, the impact of loss on siblings and parents of adult victims, and the long-term effects of the loss on all suicide grievers.

A body of research about suicide loss is appearing. It is concentrated on (Stillion 1996):

The reaction of grievers to the suicide

Postvention services to suicide grievers

Public attitudes towards suicide grievers

Most studies address the last area and show that suicide grievers are viewed less positively than victims of other losses and draw less social support. Griever response to the suicide is the focus of next largest number of studies which report grief reactions, guilt, stress, anger, relationship problems, and depression. There are only a few postvention studies.

The research to date hasn't convinced everyone that the aftermath of suicide loss differs significantly from other traumatic loss (e.g., van der Wal 1989-90). On the other hand, Jordan (2001) concludes that the literature indicates "that there are qualitative aspects of the mourning process that are more intensified and frequently more problematic for survivors of suicide loss than for other types of mourners."

A review of the suicide loss research for grief counselors (Barlow and Morrison 2002) observes that those trying to help suicide grievers must often turn to studies of other grievers for insight, but also notes that overall the suicide loss literature outlines the major needs and issues.

Only cutting the number of suicides will lessen the number of suicide grievers. Until then more research, and more study of postvention techniques, can diminish their exposure. This can begin with a needs assessment to establish what suicide grievers feel are the problems and the kinds of help they see of value.

Readings and References

Barlow, C.A., and Morrison, H. (2002) "Survivors of Suicide: Emerging Counseling Strategies" Journal of Psychological Nursing/40(1) 28-39.

Jordan, J.R., (2001) "Is Suicide Bereavement Different? A Reassessment of the Literature" Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior 31(1) 91-103.

Ellenbogen, S. and Gratton, G. (2001) "Do They Suffer More? Reflections on Research Comparing Suicide Survivors and Other Survivors" Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior 31(1) 83-90.

McIntosh, J.L. (1996) "Survivors of Suicide: A Comprehensive Bibliography Update, 1986-1995" Omega 33(2) 147-175.

Stillion, J.M. (1996) "Survivors of Suicide" in K.J. Doka (Ed.), Living With Grief After Sudden Loss: Suicide, Homicide, Accident, Heart Attack, Stroke Washington, DC: Hospice Foundation of America, 41-51

van der Wal, J., (1989-90) "The Aftermath of Suicide: A review of the Empirical Evidence" Omega 20 149-171.

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