An Evaluation of a Suicide Bereavement Peer Support Program

BackgroundAdaption to the loss of a loved one due to suicide can be complicated by feelings of guilt, shame, responsibility, rejection, and stigmatization. Therefore people bereaved by suicide have an increased risk for developing complicated grief which is related to negative physical and mental disorders and an increased risk for suicidal behavior. Grief interventions are needed for this vulnerable population. The aim of this systematic review was to provide an overview of the current state of evidence concerning the effectiveness of interventions that focus on grief for people bereaved by suicide.MethodsWe conducted a systematic literature search using PubMed, Web of Science, and PsycINFO for articles published up until November 2016. Relevant papers were identified and methodological quality was assessed by independent raters. A narrative synthesis was conducted.ResultsSeven intervention studies met the inclusion criteria. Two interventions were based on cognitive-behavioral approaches, four consisted of bereavement groups, and one utilized writing therapy. As five of the seven interventions were effective in reducing grief intensity on at least one outcome measure, there is some evidence that they are beneficial. Bereavement groups tend to be effective in lowering the intensity of uncomplicated grief, as are writing interventions in lowering suicide-specific aspects of grief. Cognitive-behavioral programs were helpful for a subpopulation of people who had high levels of suicidal ideation.LimitationOn average, methodological quality was low so the evidence for benefits is not robust. The stability of treatment effects could not be determined as follow-up assessments are rare. Generalizability is limited due to homogeneous enrollments of mainly female, white, middle-aged individuals.ConclusionsPeople bereaved by suicide are especially vulnerable to developing complicated grief. Therefore, grief therapies should be adapted to and evaluated in this population. Prevention of complicated grief may be successful in populations of high risk individuals.

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“…Four studies were conducted in the USA [52–55], one in the Netherlands [51], one in Canada [56], and one in Belgium [57]. …”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In four of the included studies, participants were recruited both through self- and professional referral [51–54], two used self-referral only [56,57], and one used researcher referral [55]. …”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Grief interventions for people bereaved by suicide: A systematic review

et al. 2017

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“…Given the draw that firefighters have to their peers, peer support interventions are a logical response for suicide postvention. However, peer postventions have not been widely implemented because most postsuicide interventions have been conducted by professionals (Barlow et al, 2010). Barlow et al's (2010) study on a peer suicide postvention illustrated positive outcomes for both the peers leading the group and the participants.…”

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confidence: 99%

“…However, peer postventions have not been widely implemented because most postsuicide interventions have been conducted by professionals (Barlow et al, 2010). Barlow et al's (2010) study on a peer suicide postvention illustrated positive outcomes for both the peers leading the group and the participants. This study assessed helpfulness of peer support, comfort level of the participants, whether participant expectations were met, and how the program affected participants' grief and healing.…”

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confidence: 99%

“…Participants' levels of despair, blame, and anger all decreased following the program, whereas scores on personal growth increased. This study highlighted the benefits of peers collaborating with professionals to provide postvention services (Barlow et al, 2010). Based in part on the literature for postvention and the empirical basis of peer-support, the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) developed an excellent peer standard operating procedure (SOP).…”

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confidence: 99%

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