Abstract

Exposure to a suicide carries risks for loss survivors including significant and long-standing emotional distress. Early responders play a critical role in shaping survivors’ experience and trajectory for seeking support services. Yet, few prior studies explore the nuances of early responders’ interactions with loss survivors. The current study explored suicide-bereaved adults’ experiences with early responders in the first 72 h after their loss through four group interviews. Participants (N = 15) indicated that interactions with early responders were positive overall. Yet, the lack of resources and referrals provided, and perceived stigmatization of suicide may contribute to survivors’ delay in obtaining support services.

摘要

接触自杀会给失去的幸存者带来风险，包括严重和长期的情绪困扰。早期响应者在塑造幸存者的体验和寻求支持服务的轨迹方面发挥着关键作用。然而，之前很少有研究探讨早期响应者与损失幸存者互动的细微差别。目前的研究通过四组访谈探讨了自杀丧亲者在失去生命后的前 72 小时内与早期反应者的经历。参与者（N  = 15）表示与早期响应者的互动总体上是积极的。然而，缺乏资源和提供的转介，以及自杀的污名化可能导致幸存者延迟获得支持服务。