When a close friend or relative dies by suicide: the impact on mental health and social functioning of young adults
Lead Research Organisation:
University College London
Department Name: Mental Health Sciences
Abstract
People bereaved by suicide, particularly adolescents and young adults, have a greater risk of suicide than the general population. Because of the taboo around suicide there may be a tendency to avoid someone bereaved in this way, and a failure to offer the appropriate help. A series of suicides in Bridgend in 2008 raised concerns about the psychological health of young bereaved adults and highlighted a need for further research in this field.
This study aims to determine whether bereavement by suicide does have particularly harmful effects, and what the needs of this group are. Using an internet survey I will compare the experiences of young adults who have lost a close relative or friend by suicide to young adults bereaved by other causes of sudden death. Questions will focus on aspects of social functioning, psychological health, family structure, social relationships, and academic or professional success. Subsequent in-depth interviews will focus on experiences of stigma and on help provided.
The findings of this study will identify the needs of this population, and any particular difficulties experienced, facilitating the design of future services for this marginalised group. It would also contribute to our knowledge about suicide prevention.
This study aims to determine whether bereavement by suicide does have particularly harmful effects, and what the needs of this group are. Using an internet survey I will compare the experiences of young adults who have lost a close relative or friend by suicide to young adults bereaved by other causes of sudden death. Questions will focus on aspects of social functioning, psychological health, family structure, social relationships, and academic or professional success. Subsequent in-depth interviews will focus on experiences of stigma and on help provided.
The findings of this study will identify the needs of this population, and any particular difficulties experienced, facilitating the design of future services for this marginalised group. It would also contribute to our knowledge about suicide prevention.
Technical Summary
Background: Existing evidence suggests that the suicide of a family member is a risk factor for suicide irrespective of a personal or family history of mental illness. The risk is particularly high for adolescents and young adults. Cluster suicides, notably amongst adolescents, suggest that the suicide of a close contact is also an important risk factor. Studies have shown that those bereaved by suicide experience higher levels of rejection, although results have been conflicting, and most work has been done in the USA.
Aims: I aim to test the hypothesis that young adults bereaved by the suicide of a close contact experience a greater impact on suicidal intent, general mental health and social functioning than those bereaved by other causes of sudden death.
Objectives: To recruit a sample of young bereaved adults and obtain quantitative (and qualitative) data regarding suicidal behaviour, social functioning, and experiences of stigma. I will compare outcomes between two groups; those bereaved by suicide and those bereaved by other causes of sudden death.
Design/methodology: Participants will be recruited using email distribution lists for two large London universities. An email to all staff and students (approximately 100,000) will invite recipients aged 18-40 to participate anonymously in a study of the impact of bereavement on mental health and social functioning. The email will indicate that the researchers are particularly interested in those bereaved by sudden unexpected death, including accidents, cardiac events, and suicide. An embedded internet link will direct respondents to an on-line questionnaire. The primary outcome measures are rates of suicidal thoughts and attempts following the bereavement, and impact on social function. Additional outcome measures include perceived stigma of suicide, and depression. Analysis will control for potential confounding factors such as past psychiatric history and family history of mental illness. Qualitative information on a sub-sample of those bereaved by suicide will gather views on stigma, support services received, and unmet needs.
Scientific & medical opportunities: The scientific opportunities here are in providing epidemiological data describing the impact of traumatic bereavement on mental health and social functioning. The medical opportunities here are in increasing our understanding of suicide, and using this data to design preventive interventions for young bereaved adults. This study will lead on to subsequent work to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of bereavement interventions, with the goal of establishing evidence-based practice to reduce the risk of suicide in sub-groups shown to be at risk.
Aims: I aim to test the hypothesis that young adults bereaved by the suicide of a close contact experience a greater impact on suicidal intent, general mental health and social functioning than those bereaved by other causes of sudden death.
Objectives: To recruit a sample of young bereaved adults and obtain quantitative (and qualitative) data regarding suicidal behaviour, social functioning, and experiences of stigma. I will compare outcomes between two groups; those bereaved by suicide and those bereaved by other causes of sudden death.
Design/methodology: Participants will be recruited using email distribution lists for two large London universities. An email to all staff and students (approximately 100,000) will invite recipients aged 18-40 to participate anonymously in a study of the impact of bereavement on mental health and social functioning. The email will indicate that the researchers are particularly interested in those bereaved by sudden unexpected death, including accidents, cardiac events, and suicide. An embedded internet link will direct respondents to an on-line questionnaire. The primary outcome measures are rates of suicidal thoughts and attempts following the bereavement, and impact on social function. Additional outcome measures include perceived stigma of suicide, and depression. Analysis will control for potential confounding factors such as past psychiatric history and family history of mental illness. Qualitative information on a sub-sample of those bereaved by suicide will gather views on stigma, support services received, and unmet needs.
Scientific & medical opportunities: The scientific opportunities here are in providing epidemiological data describing the impact of traumatic bereavement on mental health and social functioning. The medical opportunities here are in increasing our understanding of suicide, and using this data to design preventive interventions for young bereaved adults. This study will lead on to subsequent work to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of bereavement interventions, with the goal of establishing evidence-based practice to reduce the risk of suicide in sub-groups shown to be at risk.