Emotional state and stress coping strategies in relatives of individuals with various forms of suicidal behavior

Background. Suicidal behavior in a family member has a traumatic impact on other family members. Data from international studies demonstrate a risk of developing symptoms of depression and posttraumatic stress disorder in the immediate family. However, little is known about the differences in the impact of different forms of suicidal behavior on family members. Objective: To compare the emotional state and stress coping strategies of relatives whose loved ones exhibit different forms of suicidal behavior.
Materials and Methods: The sample consisted of 114 relatives of individuals with different forms of suicidal behavior (current suicidal ideation, single suicide attempts, multiple suicide attempts, and completed suicide). The study utilized a battery of measures aimed at assessing the severity of emotional distress symptoms and quality of life, as well as a battery of measures for assessing stress coping strategies.
Results: 70% of the sample of relatives of individuals with different forms of suicidal behavior exhibited depressive symptoms of varying severity. Relatives of individuals who completed suicide have more pronounced symptoms of depression and anxiety, while relatives of individuals whose loved ones experience suicidal ideation more often exhibit subdepressive symptoms and have lower scores on the anxiety scale (p < 0.01). Relatives of individuals who completed suicide and have made multiple attempts are characterized by reduced levels of resilience (p = 0.028). The coping strategy of acceptance promotes help-seeking (p = 0.029), while denial (-0.349), avoidance (-0.475), and emotional venting (-0.271**) are associated with reduced resilience.
Conclusions. Completed suicide and multiple suicide attempts in a family member are more traumatic for relatives than suicidal ideation or a single attempt and reduce the relatives' ability to cope with stressful life events in the future. The ability to accept the problem when coping with stress, as opposed to unconstructive avoidance coping, is an important factor in preventing crises in relatives of individuals with various forms of suicidal behavior.

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