Interviews with Survivors of Suicides: Procedures and Follow-Up of Interview Subjects

This study was undertaken to gauge the impact of research interviews on survivors of a suicide death of a relative. The authors found that 1/3 of the subjects felt that the interview shed new light on the suicide, & 2/3 considered the interview emotionally beneficial. In all, the interview was a positive or neutral experience for 54 informants & negative for 6. The authors assert the interviewer should focus on helping, if necessary, instead of limiting the interview to scientific research.