Trying to keep alive a non-traumatizing memory of the deceased: A meta-synthesis on the interpretation of loss in suicide-bereaved family members, their coping strategies and the effects on them.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Losing a family member to suicide is a traumatic experience which includes guilt and self-stigma. Yet, there is lack of data synthesis on the survivors' experience. A meta-synthesis of qualitative data on the interpretation of loss in suicide-bereaved family members, their coping strategies and the effects on family. A meta-ethnographic synthesis following a systematic literature search and evaluation of the methodological quality of the selected studies was applied. The narratives of 326 individuals (parents/siblings/children/spouses) reported in sixteen studies were analysed. Trying to achieve a balance between keeping alive a non-traumatizing memory of the deceased, destigmatizing and liberating themselves from self-blame, self-criticism and guilt while being able to transform this experience into support towards others in need, was identified as the essence of the experience of the bereaved. Although suicide within a family is a traumatic experience, spiritual and existential implications among the bereaved have been reported; their coping mechanisms mediate the impact of suicide on family sustainability. Nursing interventions to facilitate adoption of coping strategies centred on keeping a non-traumatizing memory of the deceased among the bereaved and promote their participation in self-help groups and activities to support others in need are important.