Sharing is Caring: A Realist Evaluation of a Social Support Group for Individuals Who Have Been Bereaved by Suicide

Aim: To understand the experiences of individuals attending a suicide bereavement social support group, and to explore the perceived impact of this on wellbeing.
Design: A qualitative study guided by a realist evaluation framework in which context-outcome-mechanism configurations were explored.
Methods: Data were collected from May 2020 - July 2020 using online semi-structured individual interviews with participants (N = 6), from the North West of England. Participants were recruited from the social media accounts of a suicide bereavement support group. Data were analysed using thematic analysis informed by the realist framework and context-mechanism-outcome configurations as middle-range theories.
Results: Effective social support for bereaved individuals includes prioritisation of building meaningful connections with like minded individuals, providing a safe space for authentic self expression in order for individuals to maintain relationships with their loved ones. Contextual factors that detract from support included: Societal and cultural stigma of suicide, self-stigma and societal gender norms. Mechanisms that influence the decision to seek support include: Not wanting to burden loved ones due to fear of judgement, a lack of understanding or desire to help yet dark emotions remain that need to be shared.