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Perceived Stigma of Sudden Bereavement as a Risk Factor for Suicidal Thoughts and Suicide Attempt: Analysis of British Cross-Sectional Survey Data on 3387 Young Bereaved Adults

Author

Listed:
  • Alexandra Pitman

    (UCL Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London W1T 7NF, UK
    Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, London NW1 0PE, UK)

  • Khadija Rantell

    (Education Unit, UCL Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK)

  • Louise Marston

    (UCL Department of Primary Care and Population Health, University College London, London NW3 2PF, UK)

  • Michael King

    (UCL Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London W1T 7NF, UK
    Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, London NW1 0PE, UK)

  • David Osborn

    (UCL Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London W1T 7NF, UK
    Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, London NW1 0PE, UK)

Abstract

The sudden death of a friend or relative, particularly by suicide, is a risk factor for suicide. People who experience sudden bereavement report feeling highly stigmatised by the loss, potentially influencing access to support. We assessed whether perceived stigma following sudden bereavement is associated with suicidal thoughts and suicide attempt. We analysed cross-sectional survey data on 3387 young adults bereaved by the sudden death of a close contact. We tested the association of high versus low perceived stigma (on the stigma sub-scale of the Grief Experience Questionnaire) with post-bereavement suicidal ideation and suicide attempt, using random effects logistic regression, adjusting for socio-demographic factors, pre-bereavement psychopathology, and mode of sudden bereavement (natural causes/unnatural causes/suicide). Subjects with high perceived stigma scores were significantly more likely to report post-bereavement suicidal thoughts (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.74; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.93–3.89) and suicide attempt (AOR = 2.73; 95% CI = 2.33–3.18) than those with low stigma scores. People who feel highly stigmatised by a sudden bereavement are at increased risk of suicidal thoughts and suicide attempt, even taking into account prior suicidal behaviour. General practitioners, bereavement counsellors, and others who support people bereaved suddenly, should consider inquiring about perceived stigma, mental wellbeing, and suicidal thoughts, and directing them to appropriate sources of support.

Suggested Citation

  • Alexandra Pitman & Khadija Rantell & Louise Marston & Michael King & David Osborn, 2017. "Perceived Stigma of Sudden Bereavement as a Risk Factor for Suicidal Thoughts and Suicide Attempt: Analysis of British Cross-Sectional Survey Data on 3387 Young Bereaved Adults," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-12, March.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:14:y:2017:i:3:p:286-:d:92665
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Karen Galway & Trisha Forbes & Sharon Mallon & Olinda Santin & Paul Best & Jennifer Neff & Gerry Leavey & Alexandra Pitman, 2019. "Adapting Digital Social Prescribing for Suicide Bereavement Support: The Findings of a Consultation Exercise to Explore the Acceptability of Implementing Digital Social Prescribing within an Existing ," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(22), pages 1-11, November.
    2. Angel Marie Chater & Neil Howlett & Gillian W. Shorter & Julia K. Zakrzewski-Fruer & Jane Williams, 2022. "Reflections on Experiencing Parental Bereavement as a Young Person: A Retrospective Qualitative Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(4), pages 1-19, February.
    3. 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.
    4. Jingjing Zhao & Yanna Chi & Yanli Ju & Xiyao Liu & Jingjing Wang & Xinglai Liu & Bob Lew & Ching Sin Siau & Cunxian Jia, 2020. "Shame and Suicidal Ideation among Undergraduates in China: The Mediating Effect of Thwarted Belongingness and Perceived Burdensomeness," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(7), pages 1-14, March.
    5. Jovita Tan & Karl Andriessen, 2021. "The Experiences of Grief and Personal Growth in University Students: A Qualitative Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-14, February.
    6. 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.
    7. 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.

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