Abstract
Suicide in older persons is a serious issue in many countries. The act of intentionally causing one’s own death is often associated with lack of social support, thwarted belongingness, or chronic interpersonal difficulties. Therefore, suicide has a significant interpersonal dimension that can influence those left behind. However, studies that have investigated the impact of older adults’ suicide on their family are scarce. The objective of this pilot study was to assess the feasibility of a qualitative research on the psychosocial experience of adults bereaved by the suicide of an elderly relative. This research could recruit three participants (daughter, grand-son, and grand-niece) who had lost to suicide a close family member aged between 75 and 90. The analysis of the content of the semi-structured interviews revealed seven main themes: (1) finding an explanation to the suicide, (2) give meaning to the loss, (3) the emotional processes of mourning, (4) the repercussions of the suicide on the individual and the family, (5) looking for support, (6) the taboo and secrecy of suicide, and (7) perceptions of aging and the end of life. To explain the suicide of their loved one, the bereaved mentioned various factors related to aging, such as loss of autonomy, illness, and fear of placement. Although the older relative was perceived to be approaching death because of his/her age, the suicide was still unexpected and shocking and led to various emotions (shock, anger, and guilt) and to family conflicts. Suicide remains a taboo subject, but the newly legalized medical assistance in dying is seen as a potential solution to suffering in old age. Further investigation is clearly needed on this topic and this pilot study indicates that the main difficulties will lie in the choice of selection criteria for participants and in the recruitment process.
Highlights
Suicide is a public health problem among older adults (Richard-Devantoy et al, 2013; World Health Organization, 2014)
The suicide rate for people aged 65 years and older has fallen in the province of Québec (Canada) since the 1980s, the total number of deaths by suicide has Experiencing an Elderly Relative’s Suicide risen by 40% due to the growing number of individuals in this age group (Association québécoise de prévention du suicide, 2014)
Given the lack of studies on individuals bereaved by the suicide of an older family member (Cerel et al, 2008; Figueiredo et al, 2012), a qualitative approach was deemed appropriate to examine the psychosocial experience of the survivors following this event (Hjelmeland and Knizek, 2010)
Summary
Suicide is a public health problem among older adults (Richard-Devantoy et al, 2013; World Health Organization, 2014). Done in Brazil by Figueiredo et al (2012), showed that family members of older people who died by suicide reported social stigma and prejudice, social isolation, feelings of guilt, rage, and anguish, and for some, irreverence. With the scarcity of studies on the topic, it remains unclear whether adults who faced the suicide of an older relative suffer similar or different experiences and consequences, as those reported in studies with other groups of bereaved individuals, and if they have a need for particular support. The objective was to have a preliminary overview of the psychosocial experience of adults bereaved by the suicide of an elderly relative and to assess the feasibility of a qualitative research on this topic in order to improve the efficiency and quality of the forthcoming main study
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
