Browsing by Author "Nel, Janet"

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    Survivors' adjustment process to suicide in the nuclear family
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2001-12) Nel, Janet; Naidoo, Anthony V.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Psychology.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Suicide is currently one of the leading causes of death in many countries, and is still stigmatized to some extent in some cultures. As bereavement by suicide is a very difficult loss to adjust to, this study aims at creating a better understanding of the adjustment process that survivors of suicide have to go through. The study focuses on the impact of this kind of bereavement on family members and other people touched by the loss of someone to suicide. The needs of the bereaved have to be researched so that a suitable intervention programme can be developed to lessen the severity of the aftermath for survivors of suicide. Supportive aftercare (postvention) may also help prevent further tragedies following in the wake of suicide. The severity and stigma of suicide often contribute to the isolation of nuclear family members in their grief at a time when societal support would have been most helpful. Suicide touches the lives of people of all ages. Some may have special needs such as parents who lose a child to suicide or children whose parent has committed suicide. Better knowledge and understanding of the experiences of these survivors may guide caregivers to assist them with their bereavement and adjustment process as well as assist them in acquiring the necessary coping skills to work through the guilt, fears, anger, regrets and sorrow associated with their tragic loss. A review of the relevant literature is presented with pertinent hypotheses to inform further research to develop a suitable intervention programme for survivors of suicide in the nuclear family. A questionnaire is also presented that may guide interviewing of people affected by suicide in the family.