Examining the relationship between suicide bereavement and self-harm among adolescents in Scotland (original) (raw)
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PLOS ONE, 2021
Background Research suggests that being exposed to the suicide of others increases risk of subsequent suicidal or self-harming thoughts or behaviours. What is less clear is whether this applies to adolescents, and if the risk exceeds that following other causes of death, which has implications on suicide prevention approaches. This study aimed to systematically review the evidence on adolescent bereavement experiences by different causes to address this gap. Methods A comprehensive literature search using four databases (MEDLINE, PsycInfo, Web of Science, and Embase) identified 21 studies which measured suicidal or self-harm outcomes among bereaved adolescents aged between 12 to 18 years old. The literature was screened, data was extracted using pre-piloted forms, and risk of bias was assessed using versions of the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale; a proportion of papers were double extracted and assessed for bias. The review has been registered with PROSPERO (CRD42016051125). Results A narra...
Death studies, 2015
Despite increasing clinical and research interest in suicide bereavement the impact of suicide on adolescents is still poorly understood. This critical review aims to disentangle pre- and post-loss features that affect response to grief in this age group. The literature was analysed after a systematic search and hand-check of retrieved articles. The impact of suicide is affected by (1) pre-loss features related to personal/family history of mental health, family life, suicidal behavior, and type and emotional closeness of relationship; and (2) post-loss issues such as quality of remaining relationships. Future research and bereavement support should consider these broader contexts.
BJPsych Open, 2020
Background Worldwide suicide is commonest in young people and in many countries, including the UK, suicide rates in young people are rising. Aims To investigate the stresses young people face before they take their lives, their contact with services that could be preventative and whether these differ in girls and boys. Method We identified a 3-year UK national consecutive case series of deaths by suicide in people aged 10–19, based on national mortality data. We extracted information on the antecedents of suicide from official investigations, primarily inquests. Results Between 2014 and 2016, there were 595 suicides by young people, almost 200 per year; 71% were male (n = 425). Suicide rates increased from the mid-teens, most deaths occurred in those aged 17–19 (443, 74%). We obtained data about the antecedents of suicide for 544 (91%). A number of previous and recent stresses were reported including witnessing domestic violence, bullying, self-harm, bereavement (including by suicid...
Towards an Understanding of the Role of Bereavement in the Pathway to Suicide
Key Points 1. Suicide bereavement is associated with increased depression and risk of suicide. The increasing rate of suicide in Northern Ireland presents a major challenge to health and social care policy. 2. To date policy development on the topic has been hampered by a lack of local evidence. Contextually specific research reports are now emerging to strengthen the evidence-base. 3. The findings from our own study suggest that people bereaved by suicide include extended family members and members of the wider community, who can experience lengthy periods of depression and anxiety. 4. Bereaved family members and significant others, may require more nuanced, multi-dimensional interventions, provided over extended periods of time, in order to facilitate varied and complex grief processes. 5. A focus on empowerment, education and information may provide results that are as effective as increasing access to psychological services – these approaches should exist in tandem.
BMJ open, 2017
Research indicates that experiencing the suicide of a relative can have a significant impact on family members' emotional health. However, research incorporating the impact of suicide bereavement on family members' physical health is sparse. This paper details the protocol for a mixed-methods study of suicide-bereaved family members. The study will primarily examine the physical and mental health needs of those bereaved by suicide. A secondary objective of the study is to describe the support service needs of family members bereaved by suicide. A mixed-methods approach, using semistructured interviews and self-report questionnaires, will be used. Interviews will be conducted with a group of 15-20 relatives who experienced suicide bereavement. This protocol will follow the COREQ checklist criteria for the reporting of qualitative research interviews. Thematic analysis will be used to examine experiences and impact of bereavement on psychological and physical health. Self-repo...