‘How Does Involvement in Campaigning, Impact Close Relatives Bereaved by Gambling-Related Suicide’

Close relatives bereaved by gambling-related suicide are at the forefront of activism, seeking regulatory changes within the UK gambling industry. Through in-depth semi-structured interviews with four surviving close relatives, this study explored the personal impacts upon those involved in campaigning. Interview transcripts were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis to identify and interpret patterns in the resulting data. This established the following four themes: the relationship prior to the suicide; engagement with media; the emotional impacts of campaigning, and the relationship following the suicide. The results of this study indicate that activism can create a continuing bond between the survivor and their lost loved one. The dynamic nature of activism distinguishes it from other, potentially unhealthy manifestations of continuing bonds. Activism can facilitate a healthy and evolving post-suicide relationship between the survivor and their lost loved one.