Exploring the Psychological and Emotional Experiences of Suicide Bereavement
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Authors
Warrener, Katey
Issue Date
2025-10-28
Type
Capstone
Language
en
Keywords
suicide bereavement , suicide loss , suicide grief , prolonged grief disorder , stigma , meaning making , social support , postvention
Alternative Title
Abstract
This capstone explores the psychological and emotional experiences of individuals bereaved by suicide through a systemic synthesis of existing literature. It integrates findings from qualitative and quantitative studies to subsequently identify key patterns. Four primary themes emerged: psychological and physical manifestations of grief, emotional complexity, protective factors and coping processes and systemic postvention supports and unmet needs. Findings suggest that suicide bereavement is a multidimensional and nonlinear process shaped by the interaction of emotional distress, cognitive processing, social dynamics and systemic influences. Stigma emerged as a central factor influencing both internal experiences and access to support, often contributing to isolation and intensified distress. Processes such as social support and meaning making were identified as important pathways for adaptation, although they are not universally beneficial. The review also highlights limitations within the current evidence base, including a reliance on cross-sectional and self-reported data, limited longitudinal research and a lack of culturally diverse perspectives. Overall, these findings underscore the complexity of suicide bereavement and the need for flexible, trauma-informed approaches to support individuals bereaved by suicide.