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Receiving Notification of Unexpected and Violent Death: A Qualitative Study of Italian Survivors

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  • Diego De Leo

    (Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, Griffith University, Brisbane 4122, Australia
    Slovene Center for Suicide Research, Primorska University, 6000 Koper, Slovenia
    De Leo Fund, 35137 Padua, Italy)

  • Annalisa Guarino

    (De Leo Fund, 35137 Padua, Italy)

  • Benedetta Congregalli

    (De Leo Fund, 35137 Padua, Italy)

  • Josephine Zammarrelli

    (De Leo Fund, 35137 Padua, Italy)

  • Anna Valle

    (Autonomous Syndicate of Police (SAP), 00184 Rome, Italy)

  • Stefano Paoloni

    (Autonomous Syndicate of Police (SAP), 00184 Rome, Italy)

  • Sabrina Cipolletta

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

Abstract

(1) Background: The loss of a significant person can be especially traumatic when death comes without warning and is due to causes such as suicide, murder and accidents. The way an individual is informed about the loss can affect the way of adapting to the loss and the quality of life of survivors. Communication modalities of the notifier may deeply influence the bereavement process. Aim: The present investigation aimed to explore the experience of those who received communication of such a type of death by a professional figure. (2) Method: Snowball sampling was used to recruit the participants to this qualitative study. Social networks, word of mouth and researchers’ acquaintances were used, including clients of the NGO De Leo Fund. A total of 52 Italian people (eight males and forty four females, mean age = 49.44; SD = 14.23) who received notification of the death of a loved one by police officers or by health professionals participated in the study. Deaths involved cases of suicide, murder, road accident and mountain accident. (3) Results: The following four key themes were identified: (a) how the communication took place; (b) reactions; (c) support; and (d) coping strategies. Only 22 participants reported having received clear information about the dynamics of what happened; the rest of the sample obtained only poor or ambiguous information. The majority of participants sought or received informal support from family and friends immediately after notification; however, some participants experienced a total lack of support. The opportunity to see the body of the loved one for the last farewell, when denied, caused discomfort in recipients of the news. (4) Conclusions: Even the impactful notification of a traumatic death such as suicide or road accident can be mitigated by the appropriate behaviour and attitude of notifiers, who should always avoid providing generic or ambiguous information about what happened. The notification process should not end with the simple transmission of the communication, but should also look at the following phases by including referral to supportive networks or bereavement services, aimed at assisting individuals in the immediate aftermath but also in the long term.

Suggested Citation

  • Diego De Leo & Annalisa Guarino & Benedetta Congregalli & Josephine Zammarrelli & Anna Valle & Stefano Paoloni & Sabrina Cipolletta, 2022. "Receiving Notification of Unexpected and Violent Death: A Qualitative Study of Italian Survivors," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(17), pages 1-15, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:17:p:10709-:d:899789
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mojtaba Vaismoradi & Hannele Turunen & Terese Bondas, 2013. "Content analysis and thematic analysis: Implications for conducting a qualitative descriptive study," Nursing & Health Sciences, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 15(3), pages 398-405, September.
    2. Stroebe, Margaret Susan & Folkman, Susan & Hansson, Robert O. & Schut, Henk, 2006. "The prediction of bereavement outcome: Development of an integrative risk factor framework," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 63(9), pages 2440-2451, November.
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    1. Diego De Leo & Andrea Viecelli Giannotti & Nicola Meda & Martina Sorce & Josephine Zammarrelli, 2024. "The Effect of Life Stages on the Experience of Those Who Have Received an Unexpected and Violent Death Notification: A Qualitative Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(7), pages 1-10, July.
    2. Diego De Leo & Josephine Zammarrelli & Giulia Marinato & Marta Capelli & Andrea Viecelli Giannotti, 2023. "Best Practices for Notification of Unexpected, Violent, and Traumatic Death: A Scoping Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(13), pages 1-25, June.

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