First Advisor
Rings, Jeffrey
First Committee Member
Tian, Lu
Second Committee Member
Vaughan, Angela
Third Committee Member
Dunn, Thomas
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Document Type
Dissertation
Date Created
5-2024
Department
College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, Applied Psychology and Counselor Education, APCE Student Work
Abstract
Suicide is both a severe and pervasive issue in our society (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2023b). For every suicide, the loved ones of the deceased who are left behind face a long, arduous journey of grieving. Suicide loss survivors who emerged throughout the COVID-19 pandemic arguably encountered more unique challenges during this global crisis than in times past. However, research regarding suicide loss survivorship experiences during the pandemic remains largely overlooked. Therefore, this novel qualitative phenomenological study aimed to capture the lived experiences of those who became suicide loss survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic, in addition to what postvention support that they both sought and received. This study consisted of nine suicide loss survivors whose experiences were explored through semi-structured interviews. The subsequent interview data were analyzed using a descriptive phenomenological framework (Giorgi, 2009). This study’s findings illuminated the following six themes: (a) the emotional turbulence of suicide loss survivorship during a pandemic, (b) coping individually with suicide loss during a pandemic, (c) social support systems as sources of strength and resilience, (d) therapy as a conduit for healing, (e) barriers to grieving together with loved ones, and (f) the forging of newfound relationships and the deepening of existent bonds. The findings of this study highlight implications for future research directions regarding suicide loss survivorship, pandemic-related or otherwise. Additionally included are clinical implications for mental health providers who likely will end up working with clients whose loved ones died by suicide during the pandemic.
Abstract Format
html
Extent
248 pages
Local Identifiers
Kershaw_unco_0161D_11224.pdf
Rights Statement
Copyright is held by the author.
Recommended Citation
Kershaw, Sean Robert, "Exploring Suicide Loss Survivorship and Postvention Support During the Coronavirus 2019 Pandemic" (2024). Dissertations. 1065.
https://digscholarship.unco.edu/dissertations/1065