For those with relatively low purpose in life, bereavement may induce an existential crisis, particularly if the cause of death is suicide. To assess whether this happens, 122 Ss (31% of those who received the questionnaire) completed scales measuring life purpose, life satisfaction, reasons for living & social support. Unexpectedly, those bereaved by suicide were not different from other cause of death groups. High purpose in life apparently can buffer the negative aspects of bereavement.