The Human Geode Project: An Inside Look At Suicide Loss Survivors
Description
The loss of a loved one through suicide is a traumatic life event that brings about considerable emotional turmoil. In the present study, the term suicide loss survivor refers to an individual who is a family member or a friend of a person who died by suicide. Through the three chosen methods of gathering data, which are online surveys, in person interviews, and photography sessions, researchers highlight the personal experience of thirty-three suicide loss survivors. Supported by these various methods of data collection are the unique issues that accompany the bereavement of a suicide loss. The areas of focus are the emotional trauma, social stigma, and postvention resources utilized or made available to suicide loss survivors. Throughout interviews with suicide loss survivors, some of whom also identified as Arizona State University students, an additional opportunity for research emerged. Participants identified that Arizona State University is not effectively providing suicide awareness and prevention materials and training to its community, including staff and students. Recommendations for how Arizona State University can improve their current processes are discussed in the conclusion. By implementing the recommendations of prevention and postvention care, it is possible to educate students and staff and, in turn, allow Arizona State University to foster a culture of empathy for existing suicide loss survivors, while working on decreasing the risk of future suicides. This creative project and narrative analysis was performed by two individuals who themselves are suicide loss survivors and have taken their personal experiences as a foundation for the project's need.
Date Created
The date the item was original created (prior to any relationship with the ASU Digital Repositories.)
2016-05
Agent
- Co-author: Stockwell, Anna
- Co-author: Lashinske, Angela
- Thesis director: Kashiwagi, Dean
- Committee member: Kashiwagi, Jacob
- Contributor (ctb): Department of Information Systems
- Contributor (ctb): Department of Supply Chain Management
- Contributor (ctb): Economics Program in CLAS
- Contributor (ctb): School of Accountancy
- Contributor (ctb): WPC Graduate Programs
- Contributor (ctb): W. P. Carey School of Business
- Contributor (ctb): School of Community Resources and Development
- Contributor (ctb): Barrett, The Honors College