A1 Journal article (refereed)
Longitudinal Changes in Suicide Bereavement Experiences : A Qualitative Study of Family Members over 18 Months after Loss (2023)

Chen, Y., & Laitila, A. (2023). Longitudinal Changes in Suicide Bereavement Experiences : A Qualitative Study of Family Members over 18 Months after Loss. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(4), Article 3013. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20043013

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

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

Journal or series: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

ISSN: 1661-7827

eISSN: 1660-4601

Publication year: 2023

Publication date: 09/02/2023

Volume: 20

Issue number: 4

Article number: 3013

Publisher: MDPI AG

Publication country: Switzerland

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20043013

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Open Access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/85696

Abstract

Family members bereaved by their loved ones’ suicidal death normally undergo a complicated and lengthy bereavement process. In this qualitative case study, we explored longitudinal changes in the suicide bereavement process by applying assimilation analysis, based on the Assimilation Model (AM) and the Assimilation of Problematic Experiences Scale (APES), to longitudinal interview data collected from two Chinese suicide-bereaved individuals within the first 18 months after their loss. The results showed that over time the participants both progressed in adapting to their traumatic losses. Assimilation analysis both effectively elaborated the difference in the inner world of the bereaved and clearly demonstrated development in their adaptation to the loss. This study contributes new knowledge on the longitudinal changes in suicide bereavement experiences and demonstrates the applicability of assimilation analysis to suicide bereavement research. Professional help and resources need to be tailored and adapted to meet the changing needs of suicide-bereaved family members.

Keywords: suicide; family members; immediate family; grief work; loss (feeling); coping; adaptation (change)

Free keywords: longitudinal changes; suicide bereavement; qualitative; family members; 18 months

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

VIRTA submission year: 2023

JUFO rating: 1