Interviews with survivors of suicides: procedures and follow-up of interview subjects

In a series of 104 suicides in women, 91 primary informants were interviewed face-to-face. Sixty-two informants participated in a follow-up interview by phone, conducted by an independent investigator in order to determine their attitudes toward the initial interview. One third thought that the initial interview shed new light on the suicide, and two thirds considered the interview emotionally beneficial. In all, the initial interview was a positive or neutral experience for 54 informants and negative for 6. All but one of these were recognized as problematic interview subjects at the initial interview. The remaining two subjects could not be judged at the follow-up. In order to avoid negative consequences of the interviews, the investigator should adjust the procedures and provide support in the crisis reaction.