Reconstructing Grief: The Role of Support Groups in Suicide Bereavement

This study explores the experience of bereavement due to suicide in the context of the growing privatization of death in contemporary societies, which has made the socialization of grief more challenging. The primary objective is to understand how suicide bereavement is experienced from a sociological perspective, through the accounts of individuals who have participated in mutual support groups organized by an association in Málaga, Spain.

The methodology employed was qualitative, involving semi-structured interviews with people who had lost loved ones to suicide. The interviews addressed topics such as the social and familiar support received, the stigma attached to suicide, and emotions like: shame, guilt, and failure. A significant finding is that parents, particularly those whose children have died by suicide, often experience intense feelings of guilt or failure due to their perceived role as protectors.

Preliminary results indicate that social stigma surrounding suicide complicates the grieving process, leading to the isolation of bereaved individuals, as social discomfort often results in inadequate support. Interviewees noted that society tends to avoid discussing suicide, which exacerbates their emotional distress.

Conversely, specialized mutual support groups for suicide bereavement play a crucial role in the emotional reconstruction of the bereaved. These groups offer a stigma-free environment where participants can express their feelings and rebuild their social identity. They act as substitutes for traditional mourning rituals, which once provided communal support.

In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of support groups in managing suicide bereavement by providing spaces for emotional release and the rebuilding of social networks—an aspect that postmodern society has largely lost. Further research into these phenomena is recommended to enhance the support mechanisms available to those grieving a suicide.