Perceived connection and similarity to the deceased as predictors of psychopathological adjustment following suicide loss

Suicide bereavement is associated with an increased risk of adverse mental health outcomes. While demographic and loss-related risk factors have been identified, little is known about the role of the perceived relationship quality with the deceased. 193 adults bereaved by suicide completed questionnaires assessing prolonged grief disorder (PGD), (complex) posttraumatic stress disorder (c/PTSD), disturbances in self-organization (DSO), depression, suicidal ideation, and Simpatico. Hierarchical regression analyses examined whether Simpatico predicted mental health outcomes beyond sociodemographic and loss-related characteristics. Exploratory analyses examined perceived understanding and comfort in sharing grief-related thoughts and feelings with family and friends. Greater felt similarity was associated with higher PGD and depression symptoms, and suicidal ideation, whereas greater felt connection was associated with lower symptoms in these domains. The perceived relationship quality with the deceased may contribute to psychological adjustment following suicide loss beyond established factors.