Studio art therapy postventions for long-term suicide loss survivors: A phenomenological study

The prevalence of suicide and associated mental health risks for survivors of suicide loss represents a societal concern. Postvention research is lacking for long-term suicide loss survivors. This interpretative phenomenological qualitative study presents interview findings (N = 23) from a studio art therapy community setting. Based on suicide loss survivor studio art therapy research, four postvention activities were examined: altered books, decorated boxes, doll making, and wrapped sticks. Themes and categories for postventions were: 1. Self, person who died by suicide, other, and shifting representations, 2. Processing of autobiographical narratives, continuing bonds, spiritual connections, emotions, and symbolism; 3. Studio art therapy facilitation and materials. Specific meaningful essences were inspired by the postvention structure and materials such as page turning with altered books, containing meaningful objects in decorated boxes, physical and tactical form of dolls, and the branching form of decorated sticks. Clinical impressions suggested the possible advantages of specific postventions activities.