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The Stigma of Suicide Survivorship and Related Consequences—A Systematic Review

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  • Franz Hanschmidt
  • Franziska Lehnig
  • Steffi G Riedel-Heller
  • Anette Kersting

Abstract

Background: considerable proportion of the population experiences major life disruptions after losing a loved one to suicide. Social stigma attached to suicide survivors adds to complications occurring in the course of suicide bereavement. Despite its known risks, stigma related to suicide survivors has been sparsely investigated. Methods: We conducted a systematic literature search in PubMed, Web of Science, PsycInfo and PsyArticles, of studies indexed up through August 2015. Articles were eligible for inclusion if they addressed experiences of stigma in suicide survivors, compared them to other bereavement populations, or investigated stigmatizing attitudes within the public. The search was restricted to English-language studies. Results: 25 records matched inclusion criteria. Study designs were heterogeneous, making comparisons difficult. Results demonstrated that suicide survivors experience stigma in the form of shame, blame, and avoidance. Suicide survivors showed higher levels of stigma than natural death survivors. Stigma was linked to concealment of the death, social withdrawal, reduced psychological and somatic functioning, and grief difficulties. Only one study investigated stigmatizing attitudes towards suicide survivors among the general population. Limitations: Internal and external validity of the studies was restricted by a lack of valid measures and selection bias. Conclusions: More methodologically sound research is needed to understand the impact of stigma on suicide survivors’ grief trajectories and to separate it from other grief aspects. Clinicians and grief-counselors as well as the public should be educated about the persistent stigma experienced by suicide survivors.

Suggested Citation

  • Franz Hanschmidt & Franziska Lehnig & Steffi G Riedel-Heller & Anette Kersting, 2016. "The Stigma of Suicide Survivorship and Related Consequences—A Systematic Review," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 11(9), pages 1-16, September.
  • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0162688
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0162688
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Biddle, Lucy, 2003. "Public hazards or private tragedies? An exploratory study of the effect of coroners' procedures on those bereaved by suicide," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 56(5), pages 1033-1045, March.
    2. Parker, Richard & Aggleton, Peter, 2003. "HIV and AIDS-related stigma and discrimination: a conceptual framework and implications for action," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 57(1), pages 13-24, July.
    3. Livingston, James D. & Boyd, Jennifer E., 2010. "Correlates and consequences of internalized stigma for people living with mental illness: A systematic review and meta-analysis," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 71(12), pages 2150-2161, December.
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