Sagas, Suicides and Sequels: Narratives of the Family Experience of Suicide

Abstract

Suicide and the events that lead an individual to end their life have been extensively researched over the last three decades. Earlier research studies have reported on the societal, ecological and psychological factors relating to suicide. However, the role of family relationships in the lives of suicide attempters or completers has not been as widely researched. This qualitative study examines the experiences of eighteen family members who shared their experience of losing an immediate relative through suicide. Narrative inquiry was used to analyse the interview data. The analysis identified relationships as pivotal in the grief meaning construction following the death by suicide of their family member. These aspects of family functioning colour the interpretations and meaning construction that the bereaved family members formulate in their grief narrative.