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The National Archive of Grief Support Studies

The National Archive of Grief Support Studies(NAGSS) database provides bibliographical information and summaries of recent articles selected for their relevance to grief and bereavement service providers. The articles that are summarized are selected from scholarly, peer-reviewed journals and are intended to highlight key concepts as well as provide a brief statement of implications for service providers. Bibliographical information may be used to obtain the original article.

Internet Support Groups for Suicide Survivors: A New Mode for Gaining Bereavement Assistance

Authors:
Feigelman, William
Gorman, Bernard S.
Beal, Karyl Chastain
Jordan, John R.

Source:
Omega: 2008. Volume 57, Issue 3, pp. 217-243.

Summary

This article summarizes the results of a study designed to investigate the use of Internet support groups by the parents of children who committed suicide. The researchers also studied parents who attended face-to-face support groups in order to provide a comparison with parents who used the Internet. Parents who used the Internet groups stated that they valued its availability on a 24/7 basis, as well as the sense of privacy provided to those seeking help. Internet users reported lower levels of support from friends and family members than did participants in face-to-face support groups. Internet users of support groups were also more likely to live alone, have lower incomes, and lower educational levels than those who participated in face-to-face groups. The researchers noted that some Internet users also participated in face-to-face support groups. Among those who participated in both forms of support groups, the majority rated the Internet as providing greater benefits than the face-to-face groups.

Key words: child, Internet, suicide, support

Service Provider Implications

This article highlights the importance to parents who have survived the suicide of a child of obtaining grief support in a manner that ensures privacy and emotional safety. For many suicide survivors, Internet support groups may be a helpful resource.