Authors
- Karl Andriessen1,
- Karolina Krysinska1,
- Brian Draper1,
- Michael Dudley1,
- Philip B Mitchell1
- University of New South Wales (UNSW)1
2018
Excerpt
Background: Many of the bereaved through suicide are interested in participating in postvention studies. However, there is a contradiction between the positive experiences of research participation and concerns raised by ethical boards.
Aims: To review studies on the experience of research participation by those bereaved through suicide, including initial contact with the study and its short and long-term impacts.
Method: Systematic searches in Embase, Medline, PsycINFO, as well as Google Scholar, identified 12 papers reporting on 11 studies.
Results: The majority (73%-100%) of study participants evaluated participation positively, and would recommend it to others (90%-100%), as it was related to altruism, social support and personal growth. A minority experienced participation as negative (2%-10%) or upsetting (5%-22%) due to feelings of guilt, or painful memories. However, having a painful experience does not preclude seeing it as helpful.
Limitations: Most studies concerned face-to-face psychological autopsy studies, only two studies included a control group.
Conclusion: Research applying standardised measures may enhance our understanding of the factors germane to (non-)participation, and to the likelihood of a positive/negative research experience. Vigilant recruitment and providing optimum care for participants is indicated. Further research may continue to improve participant safety and research design of suicide bereavement studies.
Aims: To review studies on the experience of research participation by those bereaved through suicide, including initial contact with the study and its short and long-term impacts.
Method: Systematic searches in Embase, Medline, PsycINFO, as well as Google Scholar, identified 12 papers reporting on 11 studies.
Results: The majority (73%-100%) of study participants evaluated participation positively, and would recommend it to others (90%-100%), as it was related to altruism, social support and personal growth. A minority experienced participation as negative (2%-10%) or upsetting (5%-22%) due to feelings of guilt, or painful memories. However, having a painful experience does not preclude seeing it as helpful.
Limitations: Most studies concerned face-to-face psychological autopsy studies, only two studies included a control group.
Conclusion: Research applying standardised measures may enhance our understanding of the factors germane to (non-)participation, and to the likelihood of a positive/negative research experience. Vigilant recruitment and providing optimum care for participants is indicated. Further research may continue to improve participant safety and research design of suicide bereavement studies.