Understanding Family Member Suicide Narratives by Investigating Family History

2014 ◽  
Vol 69 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dorothy Ratnarajah ◽  
Myfanwy Maple ◽  
Victor Minichiello
Keyword(s):  
Family Member ◽  
Suicide Death ◽  
Close Family Member ◽  
Family Culture ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Family ◽  
Bereaved Family ◽  
Negative Feelings ◽  
Suicide Bereaved ◽  
Close Family

The complex family environments in which a suicide death had previously occurred were explored in a qualitative study of narratives of suicide-bereaved participants. The participants searched for reasons why the suicide occurred in their family. Family patterning stories and the context of the environment in which the suicide death occurred provided an additional depth of meaning into the relational aspects of the family. Fractured families emerged as an important theme. Shared in the narratives were stories of conditions within the family that may have contributed to vulnerability towards persistent negative feelings about their lives, their family, and their future. The study also identifies the strengths of family culture that led to resilience in the suicide bereaved. These stories highlight the importance of support for those bereaved by the suicide of a close family member and the issues that places people in vulnerable situations that perhaps may explain the increased risk of suicide for those bereaved family members.

Maternal bereavement and the risk of preterm delivery: the importance of gestational age and of the precursor of preterm birth

2015 ◽  
Vol 46 (6) ◽  
pp. 1163-1173 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. D. László ◽  
J. Li ◽  
J. Olsen ◽  
M. Vestergaard ◽  
C. Obel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Preterm Birth ◽  
Family Member ◽  
Preterm Delivery ◽  
Close Relative ◽  
Maternal Characteristics ◽  
Close Family Member ◽  
Very Preterm ◽  
Hazard Ratios ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Close Family

BackgroundMaternal stress during pregnancy may increase the risk of preterm delivery (PD), but the associations between stress and subtypes of PD are not clear. We investigated maternal loss of a close relative and risks of very and moderately PD (<32 and 32–36 weeks, respectively) and spontaneous and medically indicated PD.MethodWe studied 4 940 764 live singleton births in Denmark (1978–2008) and Sweden (1973–2006). We retrieved information on death of women's family members (children, partner, siblings, parents), birth outcomes and maternal characteristics from nationwide registries.ResultsOverall, the death of a close family member the year before pregnancy or in the first 36 weeks of pregnancy was associated with a 7% increased risk of PD [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04–1.10]. The highest hazard ratios (HR) for PD were found for death of an older child [HR (95% CI) 1.20 (1.10–1.31)] and for death of a partner [HR (95% CI) 1.31 (1.03–1.66)]. These losses were associated with higher risks of very preterm [HR (95% CI) 1.61 (1.29–2.01) and 2.07 (1.15–3.74), respectively] than of moderately preterm [HR (95% CI) 1.14 (1.03–1.26) and 1.22 (0.94–1.58), respectively] delivery. There were no substantial differences in the association between death of a child or partner and the risk of spontaneous v. medically indicated PD.ConclusionsDeath of a close family member the year before or during pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of PD, especially very PD. Possible mechanisms include both spontaneous and medically indicated preterm birth.

Bereavement

2021 ◽  
pp. 126-134
Author(s):  
Sara Portnoy ◽  
Lori Ives-Baine
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Family Member ◽  
Close Family Member ◽  
The Family ◽  
Adults And Children ◽  
Child's Death ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Close Family

Most families do not expect to bury a child. Adults expect to die before their children, certainly before their grandchildren. Yet every year parents face the enormous grief of having their child die and many young people experience the death of their sibling. This chapter discusses the impact of a child’s death on families, adults, and children, and describes interventions, based on theory, that may help bereaved families. Although unimaginable, most children and their families will cope with the death of a close family member, especially if they can express their feelings and thoughts, if the family can talk about what is happening and about their memories of the deceased, and if they have the opportunity to meet others who have been bereaved.

scholarly journals “It’s Always Been a Second Class Cancer”: An Exploration of the Experiences and Journeys of Bereaved Family Carers of People with Sarcoma

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 2670
Author(s):  
Moira O’Connor ◽  
Greta Smith ◽  
Ashleigh Pantaleo ◽  
Darren Haywood ◽  
Rhys Weaver ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Family Member ◽  
The Body ◽  
Social Constructionist ◽  
Family Carers ◽  
Writing Therapy ◽  
The Family ◽  
Qualitative Descriptive ◽  
Bereaved Family ◽  
Delays In Diagnosis

Sarcomas are a group of rare and aggressive cancers, which develop in bones and connective tissue throughout the body. Sarcomas account for only 1–2% of all cancers worldwide; however, mortality rates for sarcoma are high with approximately two in four sarcoma patients dying following a diagnosis. Delays in diagnosis, poor management of symptoms, patients’ high symptom loads and high carer burden are all associated with carer distress, which may lead to complications after bereavement. The experience of having a family member referred for palliative care is also distressing for carers, with the realisation that their family member is dying. This study aimed to explore the experiences of bereaved family carers of people diagnosed with sarcoma. A qualitative descriptive design using a social constructionist framework was adopted. Interviews were conducted with sixteen participants, and thematic analysis was used to identify patterns in the data. Four overarching themes emerged: beginning the journey; moving through treatment; transitioning to palliative care; and experiencing bereavement. The narratives were coherent and potent, and people reflected on their journeys. Interventions and supports for bereaved carers could include opportunities for counselling to support reflections, supports for developing a narrative such as writing therapy, and preparation for the death of the family member.

It's about Family: The Death of a Close Family Friend

2009 ◽  
Vol 90 (2) ◽  
pp. 227-230 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joan Beder
Keyword(s):  
Family Structure ◽  
Family Member ◽  
Family Relationships ◽  
Extended Family ◽  
Entire System ◽  
The Family ◽  
Counseling Interventions ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Close Family

When an individual dies, the role of the family member(s) is clearly prescribed by society: support, presence, caring, and remembrance. Traditionally, the definition of “family” has broadened to create the “extended family” or “expanded family” with members defined by deep bonds, relationships, and friendships. Currently, close friends who become the extended/expanded family, can be as central as kin to family structure and stability. Therefore, when one member of an extended family dies, the death resonates throughout the entire system affecting not only the lives of the immediate family members, but also those in the expanded circle of family relationships. This article describes the relationships in one extended family and discusses the struggles and counseling interventions used when one member of an extended family suddenly dies.

scholarly journals Relatives’ experiences of sharing a written life story about a close family member with dementia who has moved to residential care: An interview study

Nursing Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 276-282 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ewa Kazimiera Andersson ◽  
Helén Dellkvist ◽  
Ulrika Bernow Johansson ◽  
Lisa Skär
Keyword(s):  
Family Member ◽  
Residential Care ◽  
Life Story ◽  
Interview Study ◽  
Close Family Member ◽  
Close Family

scholarly journals The Development and Psychometric Validation of a Comprehensive Measure Assessing Fear of Incompetence among Adults Who Have a Family Member with Dementia

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Ashley E. Thompson ◽  
Anca M. Miron ◽  
Jonathan M. Rogers ◽  
Rudy Rice
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Psychometric Properties ◽  
Family Member ◽  
Factor Structure ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Psychometric Validation ◽  
Temporal Consistency ◽  
Close Family Member ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Close Family

Because the interpersonal skills of individuals with dementia often decline, family members may question their own ability to interact meaningfully. These family members may experience fear of incompetence (i.e., fear of being unable to relate in a meaningful way or take care of a close family member with dementia). Thus, the goal of this research was to develop, refine, and psychometrically validate a scale (Fear of Incompetence—Dementia Scale; FOI-D) assessing fear of incompetence in the context of relationships with a close family member diagnosed with dementia. Three online studies were conducted to accomplish the primary objective. In Study One, the factor structure of the FOI-D was assessed by conducting an exploratory factor analysis using data from 710 adults who indicated having a close living family member who had been diagnosed with dementia. In Study Two, the factor structure was validated via a confirmatory factor analysis and the psychometric properties were established using data from 636 adults who had a family member with dementia. Finally, Study Three determined the temporal consistency of the scale by retesting 58 participants from Study Two. The results from Study One indicated that the FOI-D Scale accounted for 51.75% of the variance and was comprised of three subscales: the Interaction Concerns subscale, the Caregiving Concerns subscale, and the Knowledge Concerns subscale. In Study Two, the three-factor structure was supported, resulting in a 58-item scale. Investigation of the psychometric properties demonstrated the FOI-D to be reliable and valid. In Study Three, the FOI-D Scale demonstrated excellent temporal consistency. This research provides future investigators, educators, and practitioners with an adaptable comprehensive tool assessing fear of incompetence in a variety of settings.

scholarly journals Quality of life after traumatic loss and the role of social support: Examining the psychological consequences of the war twenty-five years later

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 121-140
Author(s):  
Sanja Radetić-Lovrić ◽  
Aleksandra Pećanac
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Family Member ◽  
Psychological Consequences ◽  
Traumatic Loss ◽  
Psychosomatic Symptoms ◽  
Close Family Member ◽  
Close Family

The research was conducted with the aim of understanding the far-reaching psychological consequences of the war that took place in the territory of former Yugoslavia (1991-1995). The study examines the relationships between wartime traumatic experience of loss, the quality of life and mental health, and the role of social support across three categories of respondents: the first consisting of the respondents who had lost a close family member in the war and whose remains have not been found to date; the second category consisting of the persons who had lost a close family member in the war, and the third category including the respondents who participated in the war socialization but did not experience the loss of a close family member in the war. The survey used the Psychosomatic symptoms lists, the Depression Symptoms Questionnaire, the Subjective Happiness Scale, the Life Satisfaction Scale, and the Social Support Significance Assessment Scale. The results show that the respondents who continue to search for the body of a missing family member have a lower quality of life than the other two categories of respondents, as well as a more pronounced presence of depressive and psychosomatic symptoms. The role of social support in the trauma recovery process remains unclear. The results of the study are discussed in relation to completed and prolonged traumatic loss, and point to further research into the complex emotional dynamics as a consequence of war socialization and the importance of professional psychological support.

Compulsory Portion in Germany

2020 ◽  
pp. 268-318
Author(s):  
Reinhard Zimmermann
Keyword(s):  
Family Member ◽  
German Law ◽  
Constitutional Court ◽  
Family Solidarity ◽  
Close Family Member ◽  
Federal Constitutional ◽  
The Right ◽  
Law Of Succession ◽  
To Receive ◽  
Close Family

The compulsory portion of the German law of succession is a personal claim by a close family member of the deceased against the deceased’s heir, or heirs, to receive the value of one-half of his or her intestate share. The range of persons entitled to a compulsory portion is limited to the deceased’s descendants, his parents, and his surviving spouse. The right to a compulsory portion can be lost as a result of having been deprived of it by the deceased (which is possible in a limited number of situations), as a result of being ‘unworthy’ to receive a benefit from the deceased’s estate, or as a result of having waived the right. All in all, the system enacted in the German Civil Code (BGB) in 1900 has proved to be comparatively stable; even the amendments of 2010 as a result of the Act on the Reform of the Law of Succession and Prescription were rather modest and have shifted the balance between freedom of testation and family solidarity only very slightly in the direction of freedom of testation. This is often seen as confirmation that, essentially, the rules of the BGB provide a solution that is both pragmatic and reasonable. The Federal Constitutional Court has even, in 2005, ruled that a certain minimum participation for children in a deceased’s estate not only does not contravene the constitutional guarantee of ‘property and the right of inheritance’ in Article 14(1) GG, but is itself protected by that provision.

Ethnicity and disability

Child Poverty ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 137-158
Author(s):  
Morag C. Treanor
Keyword(s):  
Ethnic Minority ◽  
Family Member ◽  
Social Disadvantage ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Family

Chapter eight looks at two groups of children who are at increased risk of living in poverty: those from an ethnic minority background and those who are disabled or who live in a family with a disabled family member. For those from an ethnic minority background the conscious and unconscious racism and discrimination they face affect many areas of life from education to employment and health. Those with a disability experience higher levels of poverty, personal and social disadvantage and are more likely to experience deprivation, debt and poor housing than children without disability in the family. This chapter explores the issues that affect children from these groups and emphasises the need to have policies that help to overcome the discrimination they face.

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