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

Adshead, Claire and RUNACRES, Jessica (2022) Sharing is Caring: A Realist Evaluation of a Social Support Group for Individuals Who Have Been Bereaved by Suicide. OMEGA - Journal of Death and Dying. 003022282110701. ISSN 0030-2228

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Abstract or description

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.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	“This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Sage Publications in OMEGA - Journal of Death and Dying on 31st january 2022, available online: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/00302228211070152"
Uncontrolled Keywords:	suicide bereavement, social support groups, thematic analysis, realist framework, context-mechanism outcome configuration, realist evaluation, qualitative research
Faculty:	School of Health and Social Care > Nursing and Midwifery
Depositing User:	Jessica RUNACRES
Date Deposited:	16 Feb 2022 15:23
Last Modified:	24 Feb 2023 14:03
URI:	https://eprints.staffs.ac.uk/id/eprint/7182

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