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Experiences of Parental Suicide-Bereavement: A Longitudinal Qualitative Analysis over Two Years

Author

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  • Lorenza Entilli

    (Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Suicide Prevention, School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Brisbane 4000, Australia
    Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, 35100 Padova, Italy)

  • Victoria Ross

    (Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Suicide Prevention, School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Brisbane 4000, Australia)

  • Diego De Leo

    (Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Suicide Prevention, School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Brisbane 4000, Australia)

  • Sabrina Cipolletta

    (Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, 35100 Padova, Italy)

  • Kairi Kõlves

    (Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Suicide Prevention, School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Brisbane 4000, Australia)

Abstract

Limited research exists on the experiences of parents bereaved by suicide. Our earlier qualitative analysis examined the experiences of parents’ suicide bereavement at 6 and 12 months after their loss. The current study aimed to extend the analysis over 24 months, outlining the key themes of parents’ suicide bereavement experience. In the frames of a longitudinal study of suicide bereavement in Queensland, Australia, parents were interviewed at 6, 12, and 24 months after their loss. Thematic analysis was used to further explore new themes and three key themes identified in earlier analyses: searching for answers and sense-making, coping strategies and support, and finding meaning and purpose. Results at 24 months revealed a clearer differentiation between strategies adopted by mothers and fathers. Anger and blame had changed towards feelings of depression. A polarization was observed between parents still oscillating in brooding rumination and those who have shifted towards sense-making. The former more frequently reported depression symptoms, and the latter reported a more positive attitude towards life and acceptance of their loss. Consistent with the dual-process model, parents managed to reach acceptance after oscillating between sense-making and meaning making. Findings provide insights how suicide loss affects parents, with implications for postvention.

Suggested Citation

  • 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.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:2:p:564-:d:478499
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. 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.
    2. 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.
    3. Victoria Ross & Kairi Kõlves & Lisa Kunde & Diego De Leo, 2018. "Parents’ Experiences of Suicide-Bereavement: A Qualitative Study at 6 and 12 Months after Loss," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-10, March.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Rebecca Goodall & Karolina Krysinska & Karl Andriessen, 2022. "Continuing Bonds after Loss by Suicide: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(5), pages 1-18, March.
    2. Edouard Leaune & Héloïse Rouzé & Laurène Lestienne & Kushtrim Bislimi & Benoit Chalancon & Margot Morgiève & Pierre Grandgenèvre & Guillaume Vaiva & Nathalie Laplace & Emmanuel Poulet & Julie Haesebae, 2022. "The Needs, Use and Expectations of People Bereaved by Suicide Regarding Online Resources: An Online Survey," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-12, September.
    3. Diego Garcia-Fernández & Samuel Fernández-Salinero & Gabriele Giorgi & Gabriela Topa & Ana María Marcos Del Cano, 2021. "The Impact of Suicide Utility Perception on News over Terminally Ill Patients’ Suicide Attitudes: A Pilot Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(16), pages 1-11, August.
    4. Alexandra Pitman & Fiona Stevenson & David Osborn, 2022. "Investigating Whether Bereavement by Suicide and Other Unnatural Causes Has a Deterrent Effect on Alcohol or Drug Use in Young Adults," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(20), pages 1-11, October.
    5. Yan Chen & Aarno Laitila, 2023. "Longitudinal Changes in Suicide Bereavement Experiences: A Qualitative Study of Family Members over 18 Months after Loss," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(4), pages 1-14, February.
    6. 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.

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