Citation

Andriessen K, Castelli Dransart DA, Cerel J, Maple M. Crisis 2017; 38(3): 202-206.

Affiliation

Taskforce on Suicide Bereavement and Postvention Research of the IASP Special Interest Group on Suicide Bereavement.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, International Association for Suicide Prevention, Publisher Hogrefe Publishing)

DOI

10.1027/0227-5910/a000459

PMID

28468555

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Suicide can have a lasting impact on the social life as well as the physical and mental health of the bereaved. Targeted research is needed to better understand the nature of suicide bereavement and the effectiveness of support. AIMS: To take stock of ongoing studies, and to inquire about future research priorities regarding suicide bereavement and postvention.

METHOD: In March 2015, an online survey was widely disseminated in the suicidology community.

RESULTS: The questionnaire was accessed 77 times, and 22 records were included in the analysis. The respondents provided valuable information regarding current research projects and recommendations for the future. LIMITATIONS: Bearing in mind the modest number of replies, all from respondents in Westernized countries, it is not known how representative the findings are.

CONCLUSION: The survey generated three strategies for future postvention research: increase intercultural collaboration, increase theory-driven research, and build bonds between research and practice. Future surveys should include experiences with obtaining research grants and ethical approval for postvention studies.

Language: en

Keywords

bereavement; grief; postvention; research priorities; suicide