Utilization of Postvention Supports: A National Cross-Sectional Survey of Adults Bereaved by Suicide

Deaths by suicide have significant impacts on those bereaved. This study examined the utilization of supports by adults bereaved by suicide and associations with personal growth.

Data on adults bereaved in a personal capacity were obtained from the Irish Suicide Bereavement Survey. Regression analyses identified factors relating to the utilization of both informal and formal supports and the relationship between utilization of supports and personal growth.

Of the 2,059 participants, three-quarters of participants (74%) were female, and the mean age was 41 years. Most participants were family members of the deceased (73%), while one-quarter were friends or acquaintances (27%). Informal supports were received by most participants (85%), while two-thirds (67%) accessed formal support. Greater perceived social support was positively associated with utilization of both formal and informal supports. Men, those from ethnic minorities, and non-family members were less likely to access formal supports. Having received informal support emerged as the strongest predictor of formal support utilization. Utilization of informal supports was associated with positive personal growth among men.

Having access to multiple forms of support is a critical feature of postvention. Future research should consider the development of proactive outreach and signposting for hard-to-reach groups.