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Psychosocial Outcomes of Individuals Attending a Suicide Bereavement Peer Support Group: A Follow-Up Study

Author

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  • Eve Griffin

    (School of Public Health, University College Cork, T12 XF62 Cork, Ireland
    National Suicide Research Foundation, T12 XF62 Cork, Ireland)

  • Selena O’Connell

    (School of Public Health, University College Cork, T12 XF62 Cork, Ireland
    National Suicide Research Foundation, T12 XF62 Cork, Ireland)

  • Eimear Ruane-McAteer

    (School of Public Health, University College Cork, T12 XF62 Cork, Ireland)

  • Paul Corcoran

    (National Suicide Research Foundation, T12 XF62 Cork, Ireland)

  • Ella Arensman

    (School of Public Health, University College Cork, T12 XF62 Cork, Ireland
    National Suicide Research Foundation, T12 XF62 Cork, Ireland)

Abstract

Individuals bereaved by suicide represent an important group in terms of postvention. While peer support groups are often accessed by those bereaved, few studies have examined their impact in terms of physical and mental health wellbeing. The aim of this study was to examine psychosocial outcomes of individuals attending suicide bereavement peer support groups in Ireland. Between August 2020 and June 2021, all members were invited to complete a survey, with new members also surveyed at three- and six-month follow-up, to examine changes in wellbeing, depressive symptoms and grief reactions. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics and mixed linear regression models. The 75 participants were mostly female, with lower levels of overall wellbeing and a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation than the general population. Participants also reported high levels of social adjustment difficulties and grief reactions, which were more pronounced for those more recently bereaved. At follow-up ( n = 28), a significant improvement in wellbeing and a reduction in grief reactions were found, adjusting for time since bereavement. Participants identified the groups as creating a safe space and providing a sense of belonging and hope. Notwithstanding the small number of participants at follow-up, these findings underline the enduring mental health challenges for those bereaved by suicide and provide further evidence for the role of peer support in postvention.

Suggested Citation

  • 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.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:7:p:4076-:d:782651
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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 & 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.
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    1. Lisbeth Hybholt & Agnes Higgins & Niels Buus & Lene Lauge Berring & Terry Connolly & Annette Erlangsen & Jean Morrissey, 2022. "The Spaces of Peer-Led Support Groups for Suicide Bereaved in Denmark and the Republic of Ireland: A Focus Group Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(16), pages 1-15, August.
    2. Yossi Levi-Belz & Karolina Krysinska & Karl Andriessen, 2023. "What Do We Know about Suicide Bereavement, and What We Can Do to Help Suicide-Loss Survivors?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(8), pages 1-5, April.

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