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BMC Public Health
Published in: BMC Public Health 1/2024

Open Access 01-12-2024 | Suicide | Research

Supportive and non-supportive social experiences following suicide loss: a qualitative study

Authors: Franziska Marek, Nathalie Oexle

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2024

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Abstract

Background

Suicide bereavement entails profound social stressors, including stigma and communication barriers, which can impair social support for suicide loss survivors (SLS). Despite recognized benefits of empathetic interactions, social support, and self-disclosure in mitigating adverse mental health outcomes after suicide loss, we lack a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing perceived social support among SLS within their broader social environments. To address this gap, our study explores the diverse social experiences of SLS beyond their immediate circles. Specifically, we identify characteristics that define both supportive and non-supportive social experiences of SLS, as well as the facilitators and barriers to social support in the context of suicide bereavement.

Methods

In 2022, we conducted structured online individual interviews with a diverse sample of 18 SLS in Germany. We analyzed these interviews using qualitative content analysis.

Results

We examined the social experiences of SLS across three phases and social contexts: (1) the immediate aftermath of the loss; (2) during bereavement practices; and (3) over time. Our findings show that proactive responses and personalized mourning rituals significantly enhance SLS’ sense of community support, while encounters characterized by avoidance or intrusive curiosity lead to feelings of isolation. Over time, supportive interactions often emerge from peers with similar experiences, promoting openness and shared vulnerability. Conversely, superficial engagement, along with experiences of others depersonalizing and avoiding conversations about the loss, contribute to a sense of marginalization.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight the importance of proactive engagement and open dialogue, calling for societal and communicative shifts toward inclusive and compassionate approaches in addressing suicide loss. This study underscores the need for comprehensive strategies that enhance both suicide and grief literacy and address the taboo and stigma surrounding suicide, ultimately fostering supportive social environments for SLS.
Appendix
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Footnotes
1
In the original sample (n = 20), two individuals had experienced the loss of a close person to assisted suicide. Analysis revealed significant differences between the experiences of SLS and survivors after assisted suicide, particularly in their anticipation of the event and involvement in its planning and completion. These distinct experiences not only presented specific challenges but also influenced social interactions, available support options, and support needs. To ensure comparability, interviews with survivors after assisted suicide were excluded, resulting in a final sample size of 18 SLS. Inspired by these interviews, a narrative literature review exploring the experiences and support needs of individuals bereaved by assisted suicide was conducted and published [30].
 
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Metadata
Title
Supportive and non-supportive social experiences following suicide loss: a qualitative study
Authors
Franziska Marek
Nathalie Oexle
Publication date
01-12-2024
Publisher
BioMed Central
Keywords
Suicide
Suicide
Published in
BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2024
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-18545-3

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