Support groups for suicide survivors: results of a survey of group leaders

Suicide Life Threat Behav. 2009 Dec;39(6):588-98. doi: 10.1521/suli.2009.39.6.588.

Abstract

To update and expand Rubey and McIntosh's (1996) survivors of suicide support groups report, SPAN USA completed a survey of U.S. support group leaders (n = 100; 24% completion). There are now more survivor groups (from 280 to 417), and the majority of groups now have a survivor leader (78% vs. 25%). Groups continue to be small (88% < 10 members per session) and meet on a monthly basis (55%). Sharing continues to be a universal experience in groups, which tend to be open-ended (85%). Current groups are newer, and more operate without a sponsor. Further research is needed to examine group member perspectives and effectiveness of groups.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Health Services Needs and Demand
  • Humans
  • Leadership*
  • Self-Help Groups / economics
  • Self-Help Groups / statistics & numerical data*
  • Social Support
  • Suicide, Attempted / psychology*
  • Suicide, Attempted / statistics & numerical data
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Survivors / psychology*
  • Survivors / statistics & numerical data