Harmful or Helpful? A Systematic Review of How Those Bereaved Through Suicide Experience Research Participation

Abstract

Background: Many of the bereaved through suicide are interested in participating in postvention studies. However, there is a contradiction between the positive experiences of research participation and concerns raised by ethical boards. Aims: To review studies on the experience of research participation by those bereaved through suicide, including initial contact with the study and its short- and long-term impacts. Method: Systematic searches in Embase, Medline, PsycINFO, as well as Google Scholar identified 12 papers reporting on 11 studies. Results: The majority (73-100%) of study participants evaluated participation positively, and would recommend it to others (90-100%), as it was related..