Citation

Andriessen K, Krysinska K, Draper B, Dudley M, Mitchell PB. Crisis 2018; 39(5): 364-376.

Affiliation

School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Randwick, NSW, Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, International Association for Suicide Prevention, Publisher Hogrefe Publishing)

DOI

10.1027/0227-5910/a000515

PMID

29618271

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Many of the bereaved through suicide are interested in participating in postvention studies. However, there is a contradiction between the positive experiences of research participation and concerns raised by ethical boards. AIMS: To review studies on the experience of research participation by those bereaved through suicide, including initial contact with the study and its short- and long-term impacts.

METHOD: Systematic searches in Embase, Medline, PsycINFO, as well as Google Scholar identified 12 papers reporting on 11 studies.

RESULTS: The majority (73-100%) of study participants evaluated participation positively, and would recommend it to others (90-100%), as it was related to altruism, social support, and personal growth. A minority experienced participation as negative (2-10%) or upsetting (5-22%) due to feelings of guilt or painful memories. However, having a painful experience does not preclude seeing it as helpful. LIMITATIONS: Most studies concerned face-to-face psychological autopsy studies, and only two studies included a control group.

CONCLUSION: Research applying standardized measures may enhance our understanding of the factors germane to (non-)participation and to the likelihood of a positive/negative research experience. Vigilant recruitment and providing optimum care for participants are indicated. Further research may continue to improve participant safety and the research design of suicide bereavement studies.

Language: en

Keywords

bereavement; postvention; research participation; research subjects; suicide