The Aftermath of Suicide: A Comparison of Attitudes of Those Bereaved by Suicide, Social Workers and a Community Sample

The Aftermath of Suicide Instrument was administered to subjects who had experienced the suicide of a relative or close friend (n=13), a community sample (n=54), & psychiatric social workers (n=12). There were significant differences in responses of the bereaved & the community sample suggesting that he bereaved may experience some community reactions as not helpful. The response of the social workers was similar to the bereaved but perceived suicide to be caused by mental illness.