The impact of suicide on families

Families that have lost a loved one through suicide are encouraged to participate in a study which explores the experiences of the bereaved when dealing with government and other agencies.

Over the past decade, various national and state wide programs have been introduced to assist individuals who may be experiencing distress and thoughts of suicide. However, Dr. Kath Peters, from the University of Western Sydney's School of Nursing and Midwifery, says more work is required which considers the impact of suicide on families and their unique needs when dealing with officials.

"Encounters with police, the coroner's office, insurance companies and other officials following the death of a loved one at any time can be very traumatic. More work is needed which considers the actual experiences of families answering questions, working through paperwork or attending inquiries when it is thought the person may have died by suicide" says Dr. Peters.

Dr. Peters will lead a qualitative study which will focus on the personal experiences of family members.

Researchers will conduct a one hour interview with participants who have lost a family member at least 12 months ago, and as a direct result have interacted with official agencies, eg police, coroner, insurance companies, funeral directors, banks.

The interviews will be audio recorded and conducted at a mutually convenient time.

Participation in the study is entirely voluntary and privacy and confidentiality will be maintained at all times.

Dr. Peters says it is hoped the results of the in-depth study will create awareness in health care and other agencies of the experiences of families and encourage change in practice and policy that could more sensitively address these families' needs.

Provided by University of Western Sydney