The use of narrative data to inform the psychotherapeutic group process with suicide survivors.
While bereavement is considered by many to be among one of the most stressful life events, it becomes even more distressing when it is related to the suicide of a loved one. A synopsis of psychosocial outcomes of suicide survivor bereavement is presented along with an overview of group interventions designed to help these survivors cope with their grief. The structure of an ongoing eight-week bereavement support group is described to lay a foundation for the application of narrative theory within the group process. Using narrative theory and structural analysis, the discourse of group members is presented and various themes are discussed in an effort to contribute to the task of developing effective psychotherapeutic group interventions for survivors of suicide.
Mitchell
Ann M
AM
University of Pittsburgh, School of Nursing, 415 Victoria Building, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA. ammi@pitt.edu
Gale
Deborah Dysart
DD
Garand
Linda
L
Wesner
Susan
S
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001601:Bereavement; D019548:Crime Victims / Q000523:psychology; D003625:Data Collection / Q000379:methods*; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D033062:Friends; D006126:Group Processes; D006167:Guilt; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D033262:Narration; D010414:Pennsylvania; D013811:Psychotherapeutic Processes; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012657:Self-Help Groups / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012944:Social Support; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology*