Year: 2009 Source: Death Studies, v.33, no.8, (September 2009), p.741-761 SIEC No: 20090819

This exploratory study gathered narratives from 10 female suicide survivors, exploring 3 dimensions of their religious life during bereavement: the function of the survivor’s personal religion; the function of religious support from family & friends; & the function of established religious communities. 10 themes emerged: afterlife destiny of the loved one, a more spiritual perspective, the impact on religious beliefs, support from significant others, survivors’ contribution to emotionally distant relationships, long-term & in-depth spiritual support, religious support from congregants, the ministry of clergy, the funeral service, & the return to public worship services. The participants believed religion played an important role in their bereavement process. (43 refs.)