The effects of suicide on close friendships of suicide survivors: Qualitative interviews with close friends of those bereaved by the suicide of a loved one

The recovery from the loss of a loved one by sudden suicide is a complicated and transforming process which research suggests is more complex than deaths by other causes. One aspect of this complexity receiving minimal attention is the effect of suicide upon the close friendships of the suicide survivors. Another dynamic being considered is the overall effect on the friendships of suicide survivors. By gaining understanding of the bereavement process from the viewpoint of close friends, this research hopes to reduce potential secondary losses which serve to complicate the bereavement process and to improve upon postvention efforts for the entire social network.; This research investigates the perception of 13 close friends regarding suicide's impact on the suicide survivor, themselves, and on their friendships. Qualitative interviews were conducted at least one year from the time of suicide with 13 friends who at the time of the suicide described their relationship as close with the friend or family member of a person committing suicide. The social network inventory (Treadwell, Stein, & Leach, 1989) was used as a method of self-report for participants to rate overall closeness to persons in their life prior to the suicide and at the time of interview.; The behaviors of close friends following suicide ranged from caretaking to distancing in ways that they interacted with suicide survivors. Close friends as well as suicide survivors reported long-termed effects resulting from the recovery experience. Approximately half of the participants described their friendships with the suicide survivor as closer while others report a more strained, if not distant relationship.; It is acknowledged that friendships are helpful to the recovery process for suicide survivors. The primary aim of this research is to investigate the impact of suicide on friendships and to improve counselor efficacy by exploring specific issues and strategies deemed helpful to the recovery process for all those affected by suicidal deaths.