Suicide of a Patient: Gender Differences in Bereavement Reactions of Therapists

Emotional reactions of therapists who experienced the death by suicide of one or more of their patients were investigated. Data were collected by a questionnaire from 27 men & 36 women, psychiatrists and psychologists. The most frequently reported reactions were of increased caution in the treatment of their patients & an increase in conferring with others. Gender differences were apparent (women more often felt shame & guilt, sought consolation, or doubted their professional knowledge(26 refs).