Exploring the Subjective Experiences of Peer-Led Social Support Groups for Individuals Bereaved by Suicide

Objectives:
The insights of individuals bereaved by suicide who use peer-led social support groups are lacking in much of the clinical research. This review provided a synthesis of the existing knowledge base to support the development of strategies to improve peer-led social support group services.

Design and Methods:
A systematic search was carried out on eight electronic databases. Data were extracted and a systematic qualitative meta-aggregation was undertaken.

Results:
Key components of social support for individuals bereaved by suicide were the contribution of group dynamics to the attribution of meaning; the ways in which shared experience leads to the normalization of feelings; and the importance of support group homogeneity, consistency, and training to the participants’ experience.

Conclusion:
Peer-led social support groups can be invaluable for suicide-bereaved individuals, but attention must be paid to the structure, conduct, and training of group leaders and members in order to optimize outcomes.