[Social Death and Suicidal Ideation among Victims of 'Zersetzung' in the GDR]

As specific type of political repression 'Zersetzung' is similar to the concept of social death, characterized by the loss of social connectedness and social identity. This study investigates if features of social death can be found in victims of 'Zersetzung' and whether this is reflected in suicidal ideation.

Sixty-two affected individuals were assessed using the Oslo Social Support Scale (OSSS-3), the Sense of Coherence Scale, and the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (BSS), and compared with age-similar reference values from the general population.

None of the victims of 'Zersetzung' had high social support, compared to 25% in the general population. The sense of coherence was significantly lower than in the comparison sample. An increased risk of suicidality was seen in 20%.

The concept of social death can be meaningfully applied to victims of 'Zersetzung', and holds important implications on the individual and the societal level.