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.
The Aftermath of Suicide: Managing Survivors’ Bereavement
Authors:
Sakinofsky, Isaac
Source:
The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry: 2007. Volume 52, Supplement 1, pp. 129S-136S.
Summary
This article summarized a literature review of studies regarding suicide survivors’ grief and treatment compared to survivors who experienced a death due to accidents and natural causes. Researchers reported findings from several studies comparing three groups of suicide survivors: close family members or friends, hospital patients, and therapists or caregivers. Researchers noted that there have been few good studies on CG and suicide survivors, but complicated grief therapy (CGT) may have positive benefits for some adults, while interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) may be beneficial in the case of a child’s death. In reports of patient’s suicides in hospitals, many mental health professional have reactions similar to family members, including PTSD, depression, withdrawal, guilt, and fear of legal problems.
Key words: adapt, caregiver, suicide, survive
Service Provider Implications
This article discusses special grief issues facing suicide survivors. The impact of suicide on both family members and non-family caregivers is discussed.
