Seminare, 2025, Tom 46, nr 1

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Effects of Experiencing a Close One’s Suicide on Children and Adolescents: Significance of Implementing Postvention Measures
Ruczaj, Joanna (Wyższe Seminaria Duchowne Towarzystwa Salezjańskiego, 2025)
The reported high incidence of suicides in Poland and worldwide is associated with a growing need to support those experiencing bereavement due to suicide. In this context, the increase in suicidal behaviour among children and young people observed in recent years is particularly worrying. Literature emphasises the difficulty of engaging in dialogue about the taking of one’s own life by a loved one, as well as the tendency to exclude this topic from conversations and to stigmatise it. Meanwhile, research dedicated to analysing the role of creating narratives about the experience in question suggests that being able to describe feelings and experiences and share them with others has a beneficial effect on the way grief is experienced. The aim of this paper is to consider the benefits and difficulties of sharing the loss of a loved one to suicide in the context of children and young people’s bereavement. To provide answer to the research question, a systematic review of source literature was conducted, which is enriched by references to testimonies of people experiencing the loss in question. Based on the materials collected, the author presents findings and suggestions relevant to providing support to children and adolescents affected by bereavement caused by suicide.