Suicide survivors groups: results of a survey.
Little is known about the nature of suicide survivors groups. Survey responses by 149 U.S. and Canadian groups are characterized as follows: (1) they are most often sponsored by mental health or social service agencies or have no sponsor; (2) groups have operated an average of 8 to 9 years; (3) fewer than 10 people typically attend monthly or twice monthly meetings; (4) group experience predominantly involves sharing personal experiences; (5) leadership generally involves either trained facilitators, mental health professionals, or both; (6) most groups are open ended; (7) all social/ethnic, income, and adult age groups are served, but few children and teenagers attend; and (8) referrals come predominantly by word-of-mouth or medical and religious sources. Further research is required regarding survivor group attributes and processes.
Rubey
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Catholic Charities, Chicago, IL 60661, USA.
McIntosh
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D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001601:Bereavement; D002170:Canada; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006117:Grief; D006126:Group Processes; D006127:Group Structure; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010348:Patient Care Team; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology*; D014481:United States