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A QUALITATIVE STUDY OF 

THE COPING STRATEGIES AND NEEDS 

OF ADULTS BEREAVED BY SUICIDE 

A thesis presented in partial 

fulfilment of the requirement 

for the degree of Master of Arts 

in Psychology at 

Massey University, Palmerston North 

New Zealand 

LINDA GRACE KELLY 

2006 



ABSTRACT 

The aftermath of suicide can have devastating effects on family and friends. Research has 

shown that the complexities of suicide bereavement can lead to physical and mental health 

problems, increased risk of suicide, pathological grief, and non-specific stress disorders. 

How the bereaved cope with the loss of a loved one by suicide was the focus of this study. 

It exp lored factors that were helpful or unhelpful, as well as the specific needs of this 

group. Fifteen volunteers over the age of 18, bereaved for more than two, and less than five 

years, told their stories in 45-60 minute semi-structured interviews. Using interpretative 

phenomenological analysis, results revealed a variety of coping strategies, and highlighted 

a number of factors that helped or hindered the individual's ability to cope. Results also 

highlighted a need for training for personnel dealing with the bereaved, suggested 

improvements in procedures following a suicidal death , and indicated a need for 

professional help and support immediately following the death. The findings of this study 

could be beneficial to policymakers at many levels, and to medical and associated 

professionals. Understanding the factors that can help or hinder the bereaved's ability to 

cope will help in the assessment of risk, and consequently be useful in the development of 

early intervention strategies to minimize the risk of physical and psychological problems 

that can result from such a traumatic event. 

11 



Abandonment 

Abandoned to the vagaries of 
misconception 

misunderstanding 
swept along by life's strong currents 

eddying 
always around 

your legacy for years of 
trust 

was abandonment 

we are not angry 
just tired 

tired of having to rebuild 
re-explain 

re-fashion our lives 
to accommodate 

your abandonment 

we are tired of the tears 
and the fears you left us with 

we are tired of facing each new day not knowing how­
to accommodate 

your abandonment 

children 
banish the fears 
and start anew 

bathe in the waters of life and 
enjoy the sparkling droplets of 

trust and love 

(Jenny, 2003) 

Ill 



ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 

To my 15 participants I extend my wholehearted gratitude for sharing with me their most 

personal and painful stories. I have been overwhelmed by the extent of information they 

have been willing to share with me, and how many have kept in touch, updating me on their 

progress , and taking an interest in my research. I have been pleased to hear that for several, 

participating in my research has helped them to 'close another chapter', been a positive 

experience for them, and has helped them to feel proud of themselves for being able to talk 

about a difficult time in the lives. 

I would like to express my sincere thanks to my principal supervisor, Dr Mandy Morgan. 

Her positive outlook, patience, and sound advice, provided motivation and support 

throughout this project. 

My thanks also go to my co-supervisor, Dr Patrick Dulin , for his suggestions and support. 

Finally, to my husband John, for being a constant source of motivation, for believing in me, 

and for all the practical help, I thank you. 

This project was reviewed and approved by the Massey University Human Ethics 

Committee, PN Application 05/06. 

IV 



Abstract 
Survivor' s poem 
Acknowledgements 

INTRODUCTION 

LITERATURE REVIEW 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

I. The impact of suicide on survivors 
Grief reactions 
Psychological responses 

2. Risk factors for complicated grief 
3. Is suicide bereavement different to other traumatic deaths? 
4. Coping and adapting to loss 
5. Meaning reconstruction for recovery 
6. The needs of the survivors 

METHODOLOGY 
I. Rationale 
2 The Participants 
3. Data Collection 
4. Analysis 

RESULTS 
Coping strategies 
Contributing factors 
Needs 

DISCUSSION 
Coping strategies 
Contributing factors 
Needs 
Implications of findings 
Limitations of the present study 
Future Direction 

REFERENCES 

Page 

II 

Ill 

IV 

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APPENDIX A 

APPENDIX B 

APPENDIX C 

APPENDIX D 

APPENDIX E 

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HO 

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