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Shame reactions after suicide attempt
Maria Wiklander1, Mats Samuelsson, Marie Asberg
1Psychiatry Section, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. maria.wiklander@nvso.sll.se
Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences
|August 16, 2003
Summary
Shame is a common reaction for individuals after a suicide attempt, leading to avoidance of care. Understanding and addressing patient shame is crucial for effective psychiatric treatment following suicide attempts.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Suicide attempts represent a significant public health concern.
- Understanding patient experiences post-attempt is vital for improving care.
- Qualitative research offers deep insights into patient perspectives.
Observation:
- Shame reactions were spontaneously reported by a majority of patients interviewed after a suicide attempt.
- These shame experiences often coincided with the suicide attempt itself.
- Patients described impulses to hide, flee, or avoid seeking help due to shame.
Findings:
- Patients perceived surviving a suicide attempt as an additional failure.
- The initial hospital encounter was frequently experienced as difficult.
- Personnel attitudes significantly impacted patients' shame levels; kindness reduced shame, while negative attitudes exacerbated it.
- A supportive and low-demand ward atmosphere aided treatment acceptance and reduced shame.
Implications:
- Healthcare providers must be aware of potential shame reactions in suicide attempt survivors.
- Interactions characterized by respect, non-judgment, and flexibility can alleviate patient shame.
- Improved understanding of shame can enhance patient engagement with psychiatric care and improve outcomes.