Mourning Coping Strategies in Families of Members Who Have Died by Suicide in the Honduran Society

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to analyze the experiences and coping strategies of family members facing grief due to suicide in Honduran society, considering cultural, religious, economic, and social factors. Method: A qualitative study with a phenomenological design. The data collection was obtained through semi-structured interviews with 10 families members and three experts. Results: The coping strategies point to be avoidant, where they omit the stressful event in their lives, while a minority faces mourn in a healthy, problem-focused manner. Families go through a period of pain, confusion, and even guilt and anger. Religious faith has ambivalently influenced the mental health of most families members, producing both positive and negative effects. Physiologically, during grief, the body sometimes feels empty, heavy, shaky, insecure, and very tired. Socially, there is a tendency to isolate oneself due to the social pressure and questions from loved ones. Conclusions: Avoidance coping strategies are detrimental to coping with grief. The studied group displays a significant decline in quality of emotional, physical, and social well-being of family members, compounded by guilt, isolation, and cultural stigma. Family, spiritual, and professional support are key to improving coping strategies and to prevent the negative effects of grief in this problem.