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Experiences of causing an accidental death: an interpretative phenomenological analysis
Sara B Rassool1, Pieter W Nel2
1South Essex Partnership University, NHS Foundation Trust, Disability Resource Centre, Dunstable, Bedfordshire, UK. sara.rassool@sept.nhs.uk
Death Studies
|February 25, 2014
Summary
Drivers who accidentally cause a death experience profound, life-altering trauma. This study explores their lived experiences, highlighting the need for psychological support following such events.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Trauma Studies
- Road Safety
Background:
- Accidentally causing a death is a unique trauma where responsibility lies with the individual.
- Existing research on the experiences of those who cause accidental deaths is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To gain insight into the lived experiences of individuals who have caused an accidental death.
- To understand the psychological impact and coping mechanisms of drivers involved in fatal accidents.
Main Methods:
- An interpretive phenomenological approach was employed.
- Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with five participants.
- Participants were drivers involved in unexpected, unintentional fatal road traffic accidents.
Main Results:
- Three emergent themes: making sense of a life-changing event, coping with the trauma of causing a death, and a transformed sense of self.
- Participants described significant and lasting psychological distress.
- The findings underscore the profound impact of causing an accidental death.
Conclusions:
- Causing an accidental death results in considerable and enduring trauma.
- There is a critical need for targeted interventions to address the psychological distress experienced by these individuals.
- Support systems are essential for those grappling with the aftermath of fatal accidents.
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