A1 Journal article (refereed)
Initial-Stage Suicide Bereavement Experiences : A Case Study (2022)

Chen, Y., & Laitila, A. (2022). Initial-Stage Suicide Bereavement Experiences : A Case Study. Omega : Journal of Death and Dying, OnlineFirst. https://doi.org/10.1177/00302228221095905

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Chen, Yan; Laitila, Aarno

Journal or series: Omega : Journal of Death and Dying

ISSN: 0030-2228

eISSN: 1541-3764

Publication year: 2022

Publication date: 23/04/2022

Volume: OnlineFirst

Publisher: SAGE Publications

Publication country: United States

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/00302228221095905

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/80709

Abstract

This study aimed to shed light on the initial-stage bereavement experiences of an individual bereaved by suicide, at three months from the loss of his spouse to suicide. A semi-structured in-depth interview was conducted with the individual, a man in his thirties. The data were analyzed using qualitative assimilation analysis, based on the Assimilation Model and the Assimilation of Problematic Experiences Scale (APES). The APES ratings of the interview revealed that the individual’s bereavement was associated with the earlier stages of APES (all scoring under 3.5). In addition, the swift and frequent fluctuations in the APES ratings gave indications that the bereavement was unstable and complicated. It is suggested that mental health professionals could use APES to evaluate suicide bereavement and take note of the APES evaluations in clinical interventions.

Keywords: suicide; grief work; psychotherapy; case study

Free keywords: suicide bereavement; initial stage; case study; assimilation analysis; assimilation model

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2022

Preliminary JUFO rating: 1