AIM: To understand the experiences and perceived impact on the wellbeing of individuals attending a suicide bereavement social support group. DESIGN: A qualitative study guided by a realist evaluation framework. METHODS: Data were collected from May-July 2020 using online semistructured individual interviews with participants (N = 6), from the North West of England recruited from a suicide bereavement support group's social media. Data were analysed using thematic analysis informed by the realist framework. RESULTS: Effective social support includes the prioritisation of building meaningful connections with like-minded individuals, providing a safe space for authentic self-expression aiding personal relationship maintenance. Contextual factors included: Societal and cultural stigma of suicide, self-stigma and gender norms. Mechanisms influencing support seeking include: Not wanting to burden loved ones due to judgement, and a lack of understanding. IMPACT: Policymakers can reduce demand on healthcare systems by developing tailored support groups to suit individual needs.
AIM: To understand the experiences and perceived impact on the wellbeing of individuals attending a suicide bereavement social support group. DESIGN: A qualitative study guided by a realist evaluation framework. METHODS: Data were collected from May-July 2020 using online semistructured individual interviews with participants (N = 6), from the North West of England recruited from a suicide bereavement support group's social media. Data were analysed using thematic analysis informed by the realist framework. RESULTS: Effective social support includes the prioritisation of building meaningful connections with like-minded individuals, providing a safe space for authentic self-expression aiding personal relationship maintenance. Contextual factors included: Societal and cultural stigma of suicide, self-stigma and gender norms. Mechanisms influencing support seeking include: Not wanting to burden loved ones due to judgement, and a lack of understanding. IMPACT: Policymakers can reduce demand on healthcare systems by developing tailored support groups to suit individual needs.
Entities:
Keywords:
context-mechanism outcome configuration; qualitative research; realist evaluation; realist framework; social support groups; suicide bereavement; thematic analysis
Authors: Silje L Kaspersen; Jorid Kalseth; Kim Stene-Larsen; Anne Reneflot Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-08-14 Impact factor: 4.614