The psychological impact of losing a friend to suicide

Title
The psychological impact of losing a friend to suicide
Publication Date
2013
Author(s)
Bartik, Warren
( author )
OrcID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8344-3306
Email: wbartik@une.edu.au
UNE Id une-id:wbartik
Maple, Myfanwy
( author )
OrcID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9398-4886
Email: mmaple2@une.edu.au
UNE Id une-id:mmaple2
Edwards, Helen
Kiernan, Michael
Type of document
Journal Article
Language
en
Entity Type
Publication
Publisher
Sage Publications Ltd
Place of publication
United Kingdom
DOI
10.1177/1039856213497986
UNE publication id
une:13949
Abstract
Suicide bereavement research can help facilitate greater understanding of the impact of suicide and potential risks for others. As there is limited research on the experience of young people who lose a friend to suicide, the aim of this exploratory study was to consider specific psychological factors for such bereaved young people. Ten young people who had experienced the suicide death of a friend completed self-report measures to assess levels of depression, anxiety, coping and prolonged grief. Participants reported increased levels of stress, depression, reduced coping capacity and prolonged grief symptoms that have continued considerably beyond the death of their friend. Psychological distress for young people bereaved by a friend's suicide is of concern given the developmental changes and life transitions associated with this age group. Implications include the significant health and wellbeing challenges associated with suicide bereavement for young people. The outcomes support a more proactive response from mental health and support services.
Link
Citation
Australasian Psychiatry, 21(6), p. 545-549
ISSN
1440-1665
1039-8562
Start page
545
End page
549

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