Autobiographical Perspectives on Recovery from Parental Suicide in Childhood
File(s)
Date
2010-12Author
Irwin, Amy L.
Publisher
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, College of Professional Studies
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Though the personal experiences and coping strategies of parental suicide survivors are
significant to recovery, they have not been researched sufficiently. This study was one of few to
ask survivors themselves what has been of help and to investigate more informal sources of
support, such as friends or bereavement camps. A qualitative phenomenological approach was
used to examine the coping strategies of 22 adults who, as children or adolescents, lost a parent
to suicide. Thematic analysis identified eight strategies utilized by survivors: seeking support
from family and friends; protecting emotions; gaining insight into the suicide; preserving
memories; writing and art; helping others; acknowledging the relief from removal of a
volatile/mentally ill individual; and spirituality. Results revealed that being a memory link for
younger family members was important to survivors, suggesting the need for open and honest
communication following the suicide of a parent. The positive influence of a bereavement camp
was reported, indicating that such an intervention can be beneficial in cultivating effective
coping skills for survivors. Dreams were highlighted as important both as a coping strategy and
as a way to gain insight into a child’s world, suggesting that mental health and other
professionals utilize this technique with child survivors of parental suicide. Future research
devoted specifically to the natural coping efforts of childhood parental suicide survivors is
needed to add to the limited knowledge base of this population.