Construction of meaning in survivors of suicide loss: A Spanish translation and application of the meaning in loss codebook

Abstract

The increasing incidence of suicide loss in many nations makes an in-depth understanding of survivors’ needs and responses a compelling priority. Accordingly, we conducted semi-structured individual interviews with 10 Spanish adult suicide loss survivors exploring their attempt to reaffirm or reconstruct a world of meaning that had been challenged by their loss. A qualitative analysis of the content of the interviews was carried out from both an inductive and deductive perspective drawing on a Spanish translation of the Meaning in Loss Codebook (MLC). Results documented the negative effects associated with the trauma and stigma surrounding suicide, the difficulty survivors had in finding a place to express their emotions, thoughts, and feelings related to their loss, but also their reports of personal growth during the grieving process in the form of greater strength, maturity, change in priorities, and a sense of responsibility for their lives. Moreover, the survivors reported feeling more altruistic, sensitive, empathetic, and willing to help others because of their loss, an outcome associated with their participation in organizations for suicide survivors. Methodologically, the study demonstrates the viability of studying meaning making in bereavement in Spanish speaking populations using the MLC, permitting both cross-cultural research and more attuned clinical assessment.