Identifier

etd-02242013-113411

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Human Resource Education and Workforce Development

Document Type

Dissertation

Abstract

The purpose of this phenomenological qualitative research study was to examine in great detail the experiences of members of an active postvention team for survivors of suicide. This team is referred to as the Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors (LOSS) team in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. This study also assesses potential benefits and detriments of being an active member of this team. In this phenomenological research study, seven participants meeting the following criteria were interviewed: 1) Participant is a survivor of suicide 2) Participant’s loss by suicide was at least one year prior to the beginning of this study 3) Participant is/was a member of the Baton Rouge, Louisiana Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors (LOSS) team within two years from the beginning date of the research study 4) Participant is/was an active member of the Baton Rouge, LOSS team for at least one year. The modified version of van Kaam’s methods for organization, analysis, and synthesis of data presented in Moustakas (1994) was used. The participants in this research study clearly indicated that the active postvention services of the LOSS team were an essential part of their grieving and healing process and enabled them to continue to live their lives. These individuals truly believe that without the survivors of suicide support group and the LOSS team, they would not be where they are today. These individuals strongly believe in the importance of providing newly bereaved survivors of suicide with an instillation of hope. This is one of the many reasons why they continue their volunteer efforts. Although few detriments to being a member of the LOSS team were introduced, there are safeguards in place for each of them to ensure the mental stability of the LOSS team members.

Date

2013

Document Availability at the Time of Submission

Release the entire work immediately for access worldwide.

Committee Chair

Machtmes, Krisanna

DOI

10.31390/gradschool_dissertations.44

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