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The stigma associated with bereavement by suicide and other sudden deaths: A qualitative interview study

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  • Pitman, Alexandra L.
  • Stevenson, Fiona
  • Osborn, David P.J.
  • King, Michael B.

Abstract

Quantitative studies have found that suicide bereavement is associated with suicide attempt, and is perceived as the most stigmatising of sudden losses. Their findings also suggest that perceived stigma may explain the excess suicidality. There is a need to understand the nature of this stigma and address suicide risk in this group. We aimed to describe and compare the nature of the experiences of stigma reported by people bereaved by suicide, sudden unnatural death, and sudden natural death, and identify any commonalities and unique experiences. We conducted a population-based cross-sectional survey of 659,572 staff and students at 37 British higher educational institutions in 2010, inviting those aged 18–40 who had experienced sudden bereavement of a close contact since the age of 10 to take part in an on-line survey and to volunteer for an interview to discuss their experiences. We used maximum variation sampling from 1398 volunteer interviewees to capture a range of experiences, and conducted individual face-to-face semi-structured interviews to explore perceptions of stigma and support. We continued sampling until no new themes were forthcoming, reaching saturation at n = 27 interviews (11 participants bereaved by suicide). We employed thematic analysis to identify any distinct dimensions of reported stigma, and any commonalities across the three groups. We identified two key themes: specific negative attitudes of others, and social awkwardness. Both themes were common to interviewees bereaved by suicide, sudden unnatural death, and sudden natural death. All interviewees reported the experience of stigmatising social awkwardness, but this may have been experienced more acutely by those bereaved by suicide due to self-stigma. This study provides evidence of a persistent death taboo in relation to sudden deaths. There is potential for anti-stigma interventions to reduce the isolation and social awkwardness perceived by people bereaved suddenly, particularly after suicide loss.

Suggested Citation

  • Pitman, Alexandra L. & Stevenson, Fiona & Osborn, David P.J. & King, Michael B., 2018. "The stigma associated with bereavement by suicide and other sudden deaths: A qualitative interview study," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 198(C), pages 121-129.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:198:y:2018:i:c:p:121-129
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2017.12.035
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Scambler, Graham & Higgs, Paul, 2001. "'The dog that didn't bark': taking class seriously in the health inequalities debate," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 52(1), pages 157-159, January.
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    1. Alexandra Pitman & Adelia Khrisna Putri & Tanisha De Souza & Fiona Stevenson & Michael King & David Osborn & Nicola Morant, 2018. "The Impact of Suicide Bereavement on Educational and Occupational Functioning: A Qualitative Study of 460 Bereaved Adults," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-17, March.
    2. Millie Tamworth & Sahra Tekin & Jo Billings & Helen Killaspy, 2024. "What Are the Experiences of Mental Health Practitioners Involved in a Coroner’s Inquest and Other Inquiry Processes after an Unexpected Death of a Patient? A Systematic Review and Thematic Synthesis o," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(3), pages 1-20, March.
    3. Jessica Eng & Lauren Drabwell & Fiona Stevenson & Michael King & David Osborn & Alexandra Pitman, 2019. "Use of Alcohol and Unprescribed Drugs after Suicide Bereavement: Qualitative Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(21), pages 1-12, October.
    4. Alexandra Pitman & Tanisha De Souza & Adelia Khrisna Putri & Fiona Stevenson & Michael King & David Osborn & Nicola Morant, 2018. "Support Needs and Experiences of People Bereaved by Suicide: Qualitative Findings from a Cross-Sectional British Study of Bereaved Young Adults," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-21, April.
    5. Lauren Drabwell & Jessica Eng & Fiona Stevenson & Michael King & David Osborn & Alexandra Pitman, 2020. "Perceptions of the Use of Alcohol and Drugs after Sudden Bereavement by Unnatural Causes: Analysis of Online Qualitative Data," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(3), pages 1-16, January.
    6. Lisa N. Sharwood & Alison L. Calear & Philip J. Batterham & Michelle Torok & Lauren McGillivray & Demee Rheinberger & Stephanie Zeritis & Tuguy Esgin & Fiona Shand, 2023. "Exploring Sociodemographic Correlates of Suicide Stigma in Australia: Baseline Cross-Sectional Survey Findings from the Life-Span Suicide Prevention Trial Studies," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-12, January.
    7. Lorenza Entilli & Victoria Ross & Diego De Leo & Sabrina Cipolletta & Kairi Kõlves, 2021. "Experiences of Parental Suicide-Bereavement: A Longitudinal Qualitative Analysis over Two Years," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(2), pages 1-12, January.
    8. Sharna Mathieu & Racquel Todor & Diego De Leo & Kairi Kõlves, 2022. "Coping Styles Utilized during Suicide and Sudden Death Bereavement in the First Six Months," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(22), pages 1-14, November.
    9. Kelly Graziani Giacchero Vedana & José Carlos dos Santos & Tiago Carlos Zortea, 2022. "The Meaning of Suicidal Behaviour for Portuguese Nursing Students," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(21), pages 1-11, October.
    10. Eve Griffin & Selena O’Connell & Eimear Ruane-McAteer & Paul Corcoran & Ella Arensman, 2022. "Psychosocial Outcomes of Individuals Attending a Suicide Bereavement Peer Support Group: A Follow-Up Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(7), pages 1-11, March.
    11. Valeriya Azorina & Nicola Morant & Hedvig Nesse & Fiona Stevenson & David Osborn & Michael King & Alexandra Pitman, 2019. "The Perceived Impact of Suicide Bereavement on Specific Interpersonal Relationships: A Qualitative Study of Survey Data," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(10), pages 1-15, May.
    12. Lubens, Pauline & Silver, Roxane Cohen, 2019. "U.S. combat veterans’ responses to suicide and combat deaths: A mixed-methods study," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 236(C), pages 1-1.
    13. Lang, Alexander, 2020. "The good death and the institutionalisation of dying: An interpretive analysis of the Austrian discourse," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 245(C).
    14. Pauline Rivart & Verity Wainwright & Sandra Flynn & Isabelle M. Hunt & Jenny Shaw & Shirley Smith & Barry McGale & Sharon McDonnell, 2021. "Ethnic Minority Groups’ Experiences of Suicide Bereavement: A Qualitative Exploratory Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(22), pages 1-11, November.

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