Citation

Fielden JM. Int. J. Ment. Health Nurs. 2003; 12(1): 74-85.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2003, Australian College of Mental Health Nurses Inc., Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1046/j.1440-0979.2003.00271.x

PMID

14685962

Abstract

Using Heidegger's hermeneutic phenomenology informed by van Manen's and Benner's work, this research is an exploration and interpretation of the lived experiences of family members since they lost a close family member to suicidal death. Data from in-depth interviews with six participants, the researcher's journal entries and published literature were analysed.

FINDINGS gave rise to a grief model where suicide survivors moved through four modes of being-in-the-world characterized by 13 lifeworlds or themes. Surviving suicide was a transformative process that in time enabled survivors to discover new ways of understanding and relating to the world. The findings have implications for nurses and counsellors working in the area of suicide bereavement.

Language: en

Keywords

Adaptation, Psychological; Adult; Attitude to Death; Comprehension; Family; Fear; Female; Grief; Guilt; Human Development; Humans; Life Change Events; Loneliness; Love; Male; Middle Aged; Models, Psychological; Narration; New Zealand; Nursing Methodology Research; Shame; Social Support; Suicide; Surveys and Questionnaires; Survivors