A Critique of Suicide Bereavement Research: Where have we been and where are we heading?

Abstract

All over the world people are bereaved by suicide. Following each death, spouses, partners, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, daughters, sons, friends, extended family members, friends, mentors, and colleagues all commence a new chapter in their lives, lives devoid of the person now deceased. Researchers continue to report that those bereaved by the suicide death of a first degree relative are at increased risk of suicidal ideation, self-injurious behaviours and death by suicide. This risk is also evident among others associated with the deceased. While this knowledge has been reported in multiple settings, the methodologies used are often limited to self-selecting individuals, and most often with those with first degree kinship to the deceased. This paper aims to explore and highlight the limitations of the current state of knowledge in the field of suicide bereavement, as well as offer areas requiring further attention.