Survivors' adjustment process to suicide in the nuclear family

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Suicide is currently one of the leading causes of death in many countries, and is stillstigmatized to some extent in some cultures. As bereavement by suicide is a verydifficult loss to adjust to, this study aims at creating a better understanding of theadjustment process that survivors of suicide have to go through. The study focuses onthe impact of this kind of bereavement on family members and other people touchedby the loss of someone to suicide. The needs of the bereaved have to be researched sothat a suitable intervention programme can be developed to lessen the severity of theaftermath for survivors of suicide. Supportive aftercare (postvention) may also helpprevent further tragedies following in the wake of suicide.The severity and stigma of suicide often contribute to the isolation of nuclear familymembers in their grief at a time when societal support would have been most helpful.Suicide touches the lives of people of all ages. Some may have special needs such asparents who lose a child to suicide or children whose parent has committed suicide.Better knowledge and understanding of the experiences of these survivors may guidecaregivers to assist them with their bereavement and adjustment process as well asassist them in acquiring the necessary coping skills to work through the guilt, fears,anger, regrets and sorrow associated with their tragic loss.A review of the relevant literature is presented with pertinent hypotheses to informfurther research to develop a suitable intervention programme for survivors of suicidein the nuclear family. A questionnaire is also presented that may guide interviewing ofpeople affected by suicide in the family.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University