Families’ Experiences of Suicide Victims in South Korea: A Phenomenological Study

Background: When a family commits suicide, family members experience feelings of hurt, denial, shock and anger, resentment, shame, and guilt. If left untreated, they become physically and psychologically vulnerable and the risk of suicidal ideation is high, so clinical intervention in the survivors of suicide is required. This study aimed to explore the experiences of families of suicide victims in South Korea. Methods: : This research was designed to a qualitative phenomenological study conducted by using Colaizzi’s methods. Participants were 7 bereaved families living in Changwon City, South Korea. Data were collected through in‐depth and individual interviews with participants from June to December 2018. Results: : A total of 25 meaning units, 11 theme clusters, and 5 themes emerged. The 5 themes of south Korean bereaved families’ experience were: shock and confusion, pain of loss, disconnection interpersonal relationships, reality wanting to give up, and life to live. Conclusion: The bereaved families are at high risk of suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts, so active individual professional counseling should be provided for them.