Date of Conferral
11-4-2024
Degree
Doctor of Social Work (DSW)
School
Social Work
Advisor
Debora Rice
Abstract
Social workers, clinicians, and mental health professionals commonly work to positively influence their client’s lives. Social workers specifically abide by the principle of pursuing social change for vulnerable populations. As suicide remains one of the top mental health concerns worldwide, the suicide-loss population continues to grow. Suicide loss is a social problem that affects all cultures and impacts individuals and communities. The suicide-loss population is vulnerable with seemingly limited research-based interventions and resources. The research addressed how clinicians describe the availability and benefit of community resources at each system level. This study was guided by systems theory, which allows clinicians to be directed by the understanding that clients are affected and influenced by their environment and ecological factors. In this generic qualitative study, semistructured interviews were conducted to gather information from 15 clinicians. Clinicians detailed their experiences when working with suicide loss survivors and the impact resources had on the client’s recovery process. The recorded interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify common patterns within the clinicians’ interviews. Their responses reflected three main themes, which are the complexity of suicide, stigma, and culture. Each theme plays an integral part in how and if suicide loss survivors receive services, including the impact of resources locally, statewide, and nationwide. The findings encourage positive social change through additional research on evidence-based interventions and the benefit of resources for suicide loss survivors.
Recommended Citation
Culpepper, Kristina Rose, "Suicide Bereavement and Community Resource Use from a Clinician’s Perspective" (2024). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 16571.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/16571
