| Abstract [eng] |
Stigmatization of suicidal behaviour affects suicide survivors‘ bereavement process and social interactions. The objective of this article is to analyse and describe suicide survivors‘ experience of stigmatization and its impact on how they feel. Methods. 23 suicide survivors (20 female, 3 male, average age 42 y.), who lost a close relative (parent, child, sibling or spouse) from 1 to 2 years before, were interviewed. Thematic analysis (Boyatzis, 1998; Braun & Clarke, 2006) was used for the data examination. Results. The study revealed manifestations of internalized stigma. Obvious or subtle stigmatizing reactions by people around were also present but rarer. Beliefs and practices related to Christian culture, emphasizing sinfulness of suicide, were expressed too. External and internalized stigma affect the survivors’ avoidance of social contacts, lessen accessibility of social support, increase feelings of shame and guilt, aggravating bereavement process. Conclusion. The study revealed the suicide survivors’ external and internalized stigma manifestations, affecting social interactions as well as experience of guilt and shame. |
