The relationship between bereavement-related guilt and suicide ideation in Turkish bereaved adults

Abstract

This study investigates risk factors for suicidal ideation among Turkish bereaved adults, focusing on bereavement-related guilt. Utilizing the Prolonged Grief Scale, Bereavement Guilt Scale, and Beck Depression Inventory’s suicide item, 570 bereaved participants were assessed. Suicidal ideation prevalence was found to be 20.2%. Higher rates of low income, single status, and unnatural death, as well as younger ages of the bereaved and deceased, were observed in the suicidal ideation group. Additionally, significantly elevated scores on the Prolonged Grief Scale and Bereavement Guilt Scale subscales were found in this group. After controlling for other risk factors, scores for survivor guilt and perceived responsibility for the death significantly increased the likelihood of belonging to the suicidal ideation group. These findings underscore the critical role of addressing feelings of guilt in psychological interventions aimed at mitigating suicidal ideation among bereaved individuals.