Relationship with the deceased as facilitator of posttraumatic growth among suicide-loss survivors

Death Stud. 2017 Jul;41(6):376-384. doi: 10.1080/07481187.2017.1285372. Epub 2017 Jan 27.

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the role of ongoing relationships with the deceased in facilitating posttraumatic growth among suicide-loss survivors. The sample comprised 58 suicide-loss survivors, 48 sudden-death, and 53 natural-death bereaved individuals, who completed questionnaires assessing the two-track model of bereavement, grief, and growth-related characteristics. Suicide-loss survivors reported lower levels of positive relationships with the deceased than did the other groups. An interaction was found between relational-active grieving and type of death in predicting posttraumatic growth. The study concluded that intense grief along with preoccupation with the deceased lessened positive personal transformation, especially among those struggling with a loved one's suicide.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological*
  • Bereavement*
  • Death, Sudden
  • Defense Mechanisms*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Personality
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / psychology
  • Suicide / psychology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Survivors / psychology*