The Perceived Experience of Children Bereaved by Parental Suicide

Datos Bibliográficos

ID13628682
AutoresJennifer Schreiber (0000-0003-0916-1196, Simmons University, autor de correspondencia), Jennifer K Schreiber (Simmons College School of Social Work, Boston, MA, USA), Diana C Sands (Bereaved by Suicide Centre for Intense Grief, Sydney, Australia), John R Jordan (Private Practice, Pawtucket, USA)
Año2015
Volumen75
Número2
Páginas184-206
Fecha de publicación2015-10-25
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaOMEGA - Journal of Death and Dying (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 0030-2228 • E-ISSN: 1541-3764
EditorialSAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/0030222815612297
PMID28490278
OpenAlexW2238584766
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas6
Referencias citadas29

Children whose parent died by suicide are a vulnerable and underserved population. This phenomenon will be described, as well as implications for practice and research. "Double Whammy," a conceptualization of the overall experience of this marginalized group, emerged through two in-depth interviews from a phenomenological qualitative study with professionals who facilitate support groups for children bereaved by parental suicide. It was corroborated with current literature and practice experiences of the authors and their colleagues. Stigma was the largest contributor to the "Double Whammy," and the following themes emerged as well: feeling isolated, feeling abandoned, and feeling responsible. The self-volition of suicide challenges how bereaved children make meaning and internalize feelings about the deceased parent, one's self, and others. Developmentally appropriate education about suicide grief, depression, and normalizing the grief process is pivotal in helping children to effectively cope and manage their feelings

Developmental psychology · Clinical Psychology · Grief, Bereavement, and Mental Health · Homelessness and Social Issues · Homicide, Infanticide, and Child Abuse · Psychology