INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)  
ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue XI November 2025  
Grief and Coping of Family Members to Loved Ones’ Suicide: A  
Correlational Study  
Daniel John D. Arboleda., Rosabeth M. Arturo., Rosebelle V. Tembrevilla  
Guimaras State University  
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.91100007  
Received: 07 November 2025; Accepted: 14 November 2025; Published: 27 November 2025  
ABSTRACT  
With the increasing rates of suicide in one of the provinces in the Philippines, there is a crucial need to research  
the levels of grief and coping with the bereaved families for prevention, mitigation, and intervention for further  
suicide cases. This descriptive-correlational research seeks to describe the socio-demographic profile of the 33  
respondents; to measure the level of grief and coping of family members who were left by their loved ones who  
committed suicide; to identify the significant relationship between grief and coping with the demographic  
variables; and to find the strength of the correlation between grief and coping. Utilizing the Grief Experience  
Questionnaire and Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced Inventory revealed low grief experience  
and moderate coping, respectively. Further, the Pearson Product Moment Correlation shows a significant  
relationship between grief and demographic variables such as municipality and relations to the victim. Similarly,  
coping is also associated with civil status. Likewise, there is a direct and strong relationship between grief and  
coping. Thus, the present study concludes that grief can be surpassed with an appropriate coping strategy.  
Comprehensive intervention programs such as psychoeducation, access to mental health services, financial  
support, and promotion of family values for bereaved families are suggested.  
Keywords: Grief, Suicide, Bereaved Families, Correlational Study  
Grief, after suicide, is a natural and human response. It is a process that needs to be faced by a person differently.  
Grief is expressed in many ways and it heals subjectively without a specific time, and the pain fades away  
through time (Beyond Blue, 2022). Suicide victims leave a traumatic feeling to their parents or to other members  
of the family which could put the bereaved member of the family at a high risk of physical and psychological  
health problems. Further, individuals bereaved by suicide had poorer general health, reported more pain, and  
reported more physical illnesses and disorders including cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary  
disease, hypertension, and diabetes (Corcoran et al., 2017).  
In 2021, the World Health Organization reported that approximately 700,000 people die by suicide every year;  
as suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among teenagers aged 15 to 19ꢀyears. Furthermore, the World  
Health Organization (2019) recorded a global suicide rate of 17.8%. Among the six regions surveyed by the  
WHO, the Eastern Mediterranean had a 24.5% suicide rate, followed by South East Asia with 21.6%, Africa  
with 20.8%, Europe with 16.3%, Americas with 14.0%, and Western Pacific with 15.6% rates. Likewise, the  
COVID-19 pandemic also had a significant impact on mental health (Cénat et al., 2021), and there are concerns  
that it may have contributed to a rise in suicide rates in vulnerable populations (Gunnell et al., 2020).  
In the European continent, Sweden had 14.7 suicide rate per 100,000 people in 2019. This may lead to cultural  
attitudes pertaining to suicide and most especially long, dark winters in the Northern region (World Population  
Review, 2019). However, with the responsive behavior of their government, the number of cases dropped  
dramatically with the help of social welfare and mental health services. Further, Spillane et al., (2018) conducted  
a study in Ireland in which they found that 1 in 20 people have been exposed to suicide in the past year, and 1 in  
5 people have been exposed to suicide during their lifetime.  
In Asia, South Korea is considered the fourth highest suicide rate globally (World Health Organization, 2019).  
Suicide rates are high among the elderly. As part of the Asian culture, children have been expected to take care  
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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)  
ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue XI November 2025  
of their aging parents. Since this system has mostly disappeared in the present situation, many older commit  
suicide because they feel like they are a financial burden on their families. Moreover, students have higher-than-  
average rates since they feel the pressure to succeed academically. The most common method of suicide in South  
Korea is poisoning through carbon monoxide (World Population Review, 2019).  
In Southeast Asia region, the Philippines belongs to the top 10 countries with low suicide rate, with a 2.2 percent  
total suicide rate (World Population Review, 2019). However, due to the factors that affect Filipino’s  
vulnerability, the suicide cases here in the Philippines are increasing dramatically. In the Guimaras province,  
according to the statistics presented by the Provincial Health Office and Provincial Social Welfare and  
Development Office, there were fourteen (14) reported cases of completed suicide in 2019; thirty one (31) in  
2020; thirteen (13) in 2021 and seventeen (17) cases from January to October 2022. Likewise, as of July 2022  
there were two (2) documented several unreported/undocumented cases on suicide attempts.  
Previous studies conducted on the depression, hopelessness, and complicated grief in survivors of suicide in  
Rome Italy (Bellini et al., 2018), the parents’ experiences of suicide-bereavement: a qualitative study at 6 and  
12 months after loss (Ross et al., 2018), and the forgive but not forget: from self-forgiveness to posttraumatic  
growth among suicide-loss survivors in USA (Gilo et al., 2022). Presently, there is a scarcity of research  
conducted with grief and coping of family members in the Province of Guimaras, considering that suicide  
becomes a widespread problem in the community.  
Hence, the results of this study will be the basis for a comprehensive intervention program to be crafted by the  
multisectoral organizations in the province of Guimaras, which may include preventive strategies to support and  
strengthen public awareness regarding this phenomenon and to address the needs of the family members who  
experienced loss of their loves ones due to suicide.  
MATERIALS AND METHODS  
This study utilized a quantitative, specifically descriptive – correlational research methods to determine the level  
of grief and coping styles of family members who lost their loved ones due to suicide. According to Frankfort-  
Nachmias et al. (2015), quantitative research is consistently achieved through with the understanding the  
relationships between random research variable. Likewise, the descriptive correlational research method is  
appropriate when describing various research variables and investigating the relationships and associations  
between and among various variables (Sousa et al., 2007).  
The study was conducted in the whole province of Guimaras. There are five municipalities in the province  
namely, Buenavista, Jordan, San Lorenzo, Nueva Valencia, and Sibunag. The respondents of this research  
included the total population provided by the PSWDO, through purposive sampling. The respondents were either  
mother, father, or any sibling of legal age, that were left by their children or sibling due to suicide. Only one  
respondent per family.  
To measure the level of grief, the Grief Experience Questionnaire by Bart and Scott (1998) measures grief  
reactions. The instrument is a self-report measure of grief responses, which includes some that have been  
associated with grief after suicide (e.g., rejection, responsibility, shame, stigmatization, etc.). Cronbach’s Alpha  
results revealed an acceptable rate between 0.86 and 0.40 (Bart and Scott, 1998). Further, the factors of the  
questionnaires revealed an appropriate convergent validity for the subscales namely, depression and  
somatization to General Health Questionnaire (p≤0.01) and (p≤0.01) SCL-25.  
Additionally, the Brief-Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (Brief-COPE) inventory was utilized to  
measure the coping of bereaved family members. The instrument is a 28-item questionnaire designed to measure  
multidimensional coping to assess the different ways in which people respond to stress (Carver et al., 1989).  
COPE is reported to have a good psychometric property. In the study of Matsumoto et al., (2020), the construct  
validity CFA suggested an acceptable model fit with RMSEA of 0.07 and GFI of 0.92, even though other indices  
were on the borderline of fitness (CFI = 0.89, NFI = 0.87, and NNFI = 0.83, respectively). The overall Cronbach's  
alpha of the scale was 0.86, indicating a good internal consistency.  
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In this study, both instruments was subjected to pilot testing to establish the reliability coefficients of the  
questionnaires. Furthermore, the questionnaires were translated to Hiligaynon with the help of a field expert.  
This study was subjected to Ethics Review by the Guimaras State University – Research, Development and  
Extension Committee (GSU - RDEC). After a successful approval of the ethics board, the researchers, in  
collaboration with Provincial Social Welfare Development Office (PSWD0) Guimaras commenced the  
distribution of questionnaires to the respondents in the five municipalities of the province simultaneously.  
The researchers orientied and explained in vernacular, the entire content of the informed consent which primarily  
includes the objectives of the study, limits to privacy and confidentiality, and other salient information about the  
research process. After which, the respondents affixed their signature voluntarily, bearing in mind their right to  
withdraw at anytime in the conduct of the research study.  
After signing the informed consent, the researchers administered and assisted the respondents in answering the  
questionnaires. First part of the questionnaire includes the basic information and significant variables in the  
study. After which, the respondents answered questions in the Grief Experience Questionnaire, followed by the  
Brief COPES. The respondents were assured of the highest privacy and confidentiality of their responses.  
Data were stored in a personal laptop of the researchers, protected with password. After the conduct of the study,  
questionnaires, and other information derived from the respondents were deleted and shredded.  
After the survey, all responses were processed statistically using computer software. Descriptive statistics  
wascomputed primarily for socio-demographic purposes such as municipality, age, gender, relation to the suicide  
victim, educational attainment, family monthly income, civil status and religion. Significant relationships in the  
demographic variables were explored. Mean, frequency and Pearson product moment correlation were utilized  
to answer the objectives of the study.  
The respondents should consent their participation in the study with voluntariness and free will. Once the  
respondents agreed to the informed consent, they were protected with anonymity, privacy, and confidentiality in  
the entire study, including future publications. The researchers, who are all licensed mental health professionals,  
provided psychosocial processing and appropriate intervention for whatever unanticipated emotions that will  
surface during the conduct of the study. The researchers adhered to the ethical standards by the Philippine Health  
Research Ethics Board (PHREB) and Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP).  
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS  
Objective 1. To describe the socio-demographic profile of the respondents, such as municipality, age,  
gender, relation to the suicide victim, educational attainment, family monthly income, civil status, and  
religion;  
Municipality  
Municipality A  
Municipality B  
Municipality C  
Municipality D  
Municipality E  
Total  
Frequency  
Percent  
33.3  
11  
3
9.1  
5
15.2  
6
18.2  
8
24.2  
33  
100.00  
Table 1 shows the distributions of participants according to the Municipality to they are affiliated.  
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Municipality A has the highest number of participants which is 11 or 33.33%. Municipality B has the lowest  
number of participants which is 3 or 9.1 %.  
Age  
Frequency  
Percent  
6.1  
21-34  
2
35-48  
10  
9
30.3  
49-62  
27.3  
63-78  
7
21.2  
Did Not Answer  
Total  
5
15.2  
33  
100.00  
Table 2 shows the frequency of participants according to age.  
The age range 35- 48 years old shows the most number of participants in the study. The lowest number of  
participants in the study is the age range of 21-34 years old. Midlife is customarily defined as the time between  
age 40 to 65, with varying definitions in different sources (Ayalon et al., 2014; Toothman, 2011). This is a life  
period characterized by challenges (e.g., high familial and social expectations and declines in physical health)  
and opportunities (e.g., increased self-confidence, leadership, and community contribution), making midlife both  
a time of high stress (Infurna et al., 2020; Willis et al., 2010) and a time of well-being and even peak functioning  
(Heckhausen, 2001). In any case, biopsychosocial well-being during this life phase can vary considerably, from  
being confident and resilient to changes and difficulties (Burns et al., 2011), to being nervous or overanxious in  
response to stressful events and conflicts (Allemand et al., 2010; Sung-Man, 2018). Common risk factors for  
suicide may manifest differently in midlife (Im et al., 2011; O’Neill et al., 2018).  
Gender  
Male  
Frequency  
Percent  
21.2  
7
Female  
23  
3
69.7  
Did Not Answer  
Total  
9.1  
33  
100.00  
Table 3 shows the frequency of participants according to gender.  
Table 3 presents the frequency count and percentage of participants according to gender preference. Notably,  
female got the most number of participants with the frequency count of 23 or 69.7%. The least number of  
participants is those who did not answer their preferred gender which has the frequency count of 3 or 9.1%.  
Miller (2019), in his study found out that women in female-dominated occupations also showed a higher suicide  
rate compared with women in male-dominated occupations.  
Gender  
Son  
Frequency  
Percent  
27.3  
9
4
Daughter  
12.1  
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Sibling  
4
12.1  
18.2  
3.0  
Wife  
6
Husband  
Niece/Nephew  
Uncle  
1
3
9.1  
1
3.0  
Father  
1
3.0  
Did Not Answer  
Total  
4
12.1  
100.00  
33  
Table 4 shows the relation of the participant to the victim  
The most number of participants in this is the wife of the victim which is 6 or 18.2%. The least number of  
participants is 1 which is the husband, the uncle, and the father of the victim. Pitman et al., (2016), the effect of  
suicide bereavement is not limited to the family of the deceased. Therefore, we should also gather sufficient data  
to describe the bereavement needs and experiences among those who suffer a loss to suicide outside the  
immediate family.  
Gender  
Frequency  
Percent  
33.3  
Elementary  
High School  
College  
11  
13  
6
39.4  
18.2  
TESDA  
1
3.0  
Did Not Answer  
Total  
2
6.1  
33  
100.00  
Table 5 revealed the educational attainment of the participants  
Table 5 shows the educational attainment of the participants. Most of the participants were high school graduates  
which is 13 or 39.4%. Only 1 or 3% of the participants graduated from TESDA-related courses. Øien-Ødegaard  
et al., (2021) claimed that low educational attainment also seems to have a similar association with suicide risk  
for both men and women. High educational attainment, on the other hand, has to some extent a protective impact  
on suicide risk for men, but not for women.  
Gender  
Frequency  
Percent  
87.9  
1-10000  
29  
2
10,001-20000  
30001-40000  
Total  
6.1  
2
6.1  
33  
100.00  
Table 6 shows the family monthy income of the participants  
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Table 6 shows the family monthly income of the participants. Most of the participant's family monthly income  
ranges from 1- 10000 pesos per month (low-income earner), this has a frequency count of 29 or 87.9%. Only 2  
or 6.1% of the participants disclose that their family monthly income is between the range of 30,001- 40,000  
pesos per month. Lemmi, et.al. (2017), in their study, reported a positive association between economic  
adversity using a variety of poverty measures and completed suicide in bivariate analyses.  
Gender  
Frequency  
Percent  
36.4  
9.1  
Self-Employed  
Private Employee  
Government Employee  
Housewife  
12  
3
2
6.1  
10  
3
30.3  
9.1  
Farmer  
Pensioner  
1
3.0  
Did Not Answer  
Total  
2
6.1  
33  
100.00  
Table 7 shows the occupation of the participants  
Table 7 shows the occupations of the participants in the study. Most of the participants state that they are self-  
employed (personal or protected services) which means that 12 or 36.4% of the participants. The least number  
of occupations of the participants is the pensioner. Santander, et. al. (2022), in their study found that women in  
the ‘life science and health professionals’ group and men in the ‘metal, machinery and related workers’ as well  
as ‘personal and protective service workers’ groups have increased incidences of suicide after controlling for  
sociodemographic characteristics, the precariousness of the employment relationship, spells of unemployment,  
previous mental disorders, and previous suicide attempts. Moreover, men in female-dominated and male-  
dominated occupations and women in female-dominated occupations have a higher incidence of suicide,  
compared with those working in gender-balanced occupations.  
Civil Status  
Single  
Frequency  
Percent  
9.1  
3
Widow/Widower  
Married  
11  
19  
33  
33.3  
57.6  
Total  
100.00  
Table 8. Civil Status  
Table 8 shows the frequency distribution of the Civil Status of the participants. Most of the participants are  
married, 19 or 57. Single is the least civil status of the participants which is 3 or 9.1%. Married persons usually  
experience higher levels of social support as compared to unmarried (Soulsby and Bennett, 2015), which is  
believed to enhance general well-being in daily life through positive affect and recognition of self-worth, and to  
buffer adverse psychological and physiological reactions that may arise from stressful live-events and conditions  
(Cohen and Wills, 1985).  
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Religion  
Frequency  
Percent  
66.7  
15.2  
9.1  
Roman Catholic  
Protestant  
Aglipay  
22  
5
3
Baptist  
1
3.0  
Born Again  
Did Not Answer  
Total  
1
3.0  
1
3.0  
33  
100.00  
Table 9. Religion of the Participants  
Table 9 shows the religious affiliation of the participants. The most number of participants are Roman Catholics  
which is 22 or 66.7%. The least number of religious affiliations of the participants are Baptist, Born Again which  
Is 1 or 3%, and 1 or 3% who refuse to answer. Morphew (1968) in his study compared 50 suicide attempters  
hospitalized after self-poisoning concerning their religious beliefs and practices. He found no significant  
differences in terms of Catholic versus Protestant affiliation. Malone (2000) reported that religious persuasion,  
defined as Catholic and non-Catholic, did not differ between suicide attempters and nonattempters.  
Objective 2. To measure the level of grief and coping of family members who were left by their loved ones  
who committed suicide.  
Grief Subscales  
Score  
2.35  
2.45  
2.62  
1.49  
2.0  
Interpretation  
Moderate  
Moderate  
Moderate  
Low  
1. Somatic Reactions  
2. General Grief Reactions  
3. Search for Explanation  
4. Loss of Social Support  
5. Stigmatization  
Low  
6. Guilt  
2.67  
1.65  
2.13  
2.32  
1.58  
2.28  
2.14  
Moderate  
Low  
7. Responsibility  
8. Shame  
Low  
9. Rejection  
Low  
10. Self-Destructive Behavior  
11. Unique Reactions  
Overall Grief Score  
Low  
Low  
Low  
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Somatic Reactions. The respondents moderately experience sickness or trembling, shaking, or twitching. Also,  
somewhat feels light-headedness, dizziness, fainting, or nervousness.  
The symptoms described, including trembling, shaking, light-headedness, dizziness, fainting, and nervousness,  
are consistent with those anxiety (Mercado, 2019). The experience of losing a loved one to suicide can have a  
profound impact on the physical and psychological health of family members. Spillane (2018) found that guilt,  
blame, and anger often lead to enduring physical and psychological difficulties, while Feigelman (2018) noted  
that these experiences are associated with greater mental health distress. Dutra (2018) further highlighted the  
stages of this experience, from shock to rebuilding life, and the need for support. Spillane (2020) added that  
family members may experience adverse health impacts, including vomiting, hypertension, and depression,  
following a loved one's high-risk self-harm. These studies underscore the need for proactive support and  
intervention to address the wide-ranging effects of suicide bereavement on family members.  
General Grief Reactions. The respondents moderately felt uncomfortable when somebody offered condolences  
to them. In addition, they somewhat feel like they could not make it through another day or would never be able  
to get over the death. Moreover, they quietly question or feel anger or resentment towards their relative after  
their death due to suicide.  
The experience of suicide bereavement is complex and often marked by feelings of discomfort, anger, and  
resentment. Feigelman (2018) and Pitman (2018) both highlight the pervasive nature of suicide bereavement and  
the stigma associated with it, which can exacerbate these negative emotions. Levi-Belz (2020) underscores the  
importance of self-forgiveness in mitigating emotional distress among suicide-loss survivors, suggesting a  
potential intervention strategy. Azorina (2019) further explores the impact of suicide bereavement on  
interpersonal relationships, revealing a range of responses including social discomfort, withdrawal, and fear of  
further losses. These findings collectively underscore the need for targeted support and interventions to address  
the unique challenges faced by those bereaved by suicide.  
Search for Explanation. The respondents reflect moderately on their search for an explanation of the reasons  
why their loved one died by suicide, also, they somewhat do not accept the fact that the death had happened due  
to suicide, and fairly find a good reason for their death.  
The process of grieving a loved one's suicide is complex and evolves over time. Brazda (2018) found that the  
search for an explanation is a significant aspect of this process, with the rationality of the suicide influencing the  
intensity of this search. Kõlves (2020) highlighted the enduring feelings of rejection, stigmatization, shame, and  
responsibility among suicide-bereaved individuals, which may contribute to their struggle to accept the reality  
of the suicide. This struggle is further complicated by the negative impact of stigmatizing discourses, as noted  
by Hagström (2018). However, Dutra (2018) emphasized the potential for growth and healing in the aftermath  
of suicide, suggesting that the search for a good reason for the death may be a part of this process.  
Loss of Social Support. The respondents reflect low negative perceptions of the other people to them knowing  
they have family members who died due to suicide.  
Research consistently shows that individuals who have lost family members to suicide experience significant  
stigma and negative perceptions from others (Pitman, 2018; Sajan, 2021; Sheehan, 2018). This stigma can lead  
to social withdrawal, communication challenges, and role changes within the family (Sajan, 2021). The bereaved  
families are often viewed as contributing to the suicide, leading to pressure to keep the suicide a secret and a  
withdrawal of support systems (Sheehan, 2018). The emotional and behavioral responses of families to  
adolescent suicide are particularly devastating, leading to prolonged grief and a range of psychological and  
physical symptoms (Kourkouta, 2019).  
Stigmatization. The respondents show low feelings of being stigmatized by society because of the death of their  
family member due to suicide.  
Research on the stigma experienced by those who have lost a family member to suicide reveals a complex  
interplay of factors. Weinberg (2021) found that personality traits, particularly neuroticism and openness to  
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experience, are associated with higher levels of public stigma. This is further compounded by the emergence of  
feelings of blameworthiness, which are linked to grief complications and mental health difficulties (Feigelman,  
2020). The role of death anxiety and self-esteem in perpetuating this stigma is also highlighted, with reminders  
of death leading to increased stigma, particularly among those with low self-esteem (Kheibari, 2021). These  
findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to address the multifaceted nature of stigma surrounding  
suicide loss.  
Guilt. The results indicate that the respondents moderately display guilt about the death of their loved one due  
to suicide.  
Research consistently shows that guilt is a significant factor in the bereavement process for those who have lost  
a loved one to suicide (Camacho, 2018; Wagner, 2021). This guilt is often exacerbated by rumination, leading  
to increased levels of guilt (Camacho, 2018). The presence of guilt is also associated with symptoms of  
depression, prolonged grief, and posttraumatic stress disorder (Wagner, 2021). Despite these challenges, those  
who seek professional help often report experiencing guilt and stigmatization, suggesting a complex relationship  
between guilt and help-seeking behaviors (Gelezelyte, 2020).  
Responsibility. The results show that the respondents reflect low responsibility for the death of their loved one  
due to suicide.  
Suicide survivors often experience a range of psychological and emotional challenges, including fear, anger,  
self-blame, guilt, and confusion (Chakraborty, 2018). These can be exacerbated by the stigma associated with  
suicide, leading to complicated grief and a higher risk of severe psychological distress and suicidal behavior  
(Bellini, 2018). In some cases, survivors may deny the cause of death due to fear of stigma and isolation,  
economic repercussions, and religious beliefs (Ohayi, 2019). However, self-disclosure has been found to have a  
beneficial effect, serving as a protective factor against complicated grief (Levi-Belz, 2019).  
Shame. The results reveal that the respondents have low feelings of shame for the death of their loved one due  
to suicide.  
Research consistently shows that individuals bereaved by suicide often experience feelings of shame and guilt  
(Kõlves, 2019; Gelezelyte, 2020; Levi-Belz, 2023). These emotions can be particularly strong in those with low  
self-esteem, leading to increased stigma and decreased willingness to intervene (Kheibari, 2021). However, the  
extent of these feelings can vary, with some studies suggesting that the level of shame may be lower than  
expected (Kõlves, 2019).  
Rejection. The results reveal that the respondents have low feelings of rejection from their deceased loved ones  
who died from suicide. Further, they show little sense of abandonment from them.  
Research on suicide bereavement has found that while there are similarities in grief reactions between suicide  
and sudden death, there are also significant differences. Kõlves (2019, 2018, 2020) found that suicide-bereaved  
individuals experience higher levels of rejection, stigmatization, shame, and responsibility compared to those  
bereaved by sudden death. However, Goulah-Pabst (2021) highlighted the importance of social support,  
particularly through support groups, in alleviating these feelings of rejection and abandonment. This suggests  
that while these feelings may be present, they can be mitigated through appropriate support.  
Self-Destructive Behavior. The results show that the respondents reflect a low risk of threatening behavior after  
the death of their loved ones due to suicide.  
The research indicates that suicide bereavement can increase the risk of suicidal behavior (Hamdan, 2019).  
However, it also highlights the presence of resilient behaviors in those affected by suicide, such as artistic  
expression and support provision (Gallardo-Flores, 2023). Capron (2021) introduces the concept of unacceptable  
loss thresholds, suggesting that individuals contemplating suicide may set these thresholds, which, if violated,  
can trigger suicidal action. Westerlund (2020) further explores the risk factors for suicidal thoughts and  
behaviors among suicide-bereaved women, including the loss of a child, feelings of guilt and shame, and  
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perceived avoidance from family members. These findings suggest that while suicide bereavement can increase  
the risk of suicidal behavior, the presence of resilient behaviors and the understanding of individual thresholds  
can help mitigate this risk.  
Unique Reactions. The result shows that the respondents reflect a low assertion that loved ones who died from  
suicide were motivated to do so. Also, the respondents expressed little feeling that their relative who died from  
suicide did it to get even with them. In addition, the respondents have low attempts to tell other people the true  
reason for their loved one’s death. Further, they show low feelings that the death of their loved one due to suicide  
was a senseless and wasteful loss of life.  
The studies by Kourkouta (2019), Kheibari (2021), Pitman (2018), and Corrigan (2018) collectively highlight  
the complex emotional and social responses of individuals who have lost a loved one to suicide. Kourkouta  
(2019) and Pitman (2018) both emphasize the profound and prolonged grief experienced by these individuals,  
with Pitman (2018) specifically noting the presence of stigmatizing social attitudes. Kheibari (2021) further  
explores the role of death anxiety and self-esteem in shaping these attitudes, finding that reminders of death can  
lead to increased stigma towards suicide, particularly among those with low self-esteem. Corrigan (2018) adds  
to this by identifying specific stereotypes, prejudices, and discriminations faced by families of suicide loss  
survivors. These findings collectively underscore the need for greater understanding and support for individuals  
affected by suicide loss.  
Coping Subscale  
1. Problem-Focused  
Mean  
2.98  
2.42  
1.98  
2.43  
Interpretation  
High  
2. Emotion-Focused  
3. Avoidant Coping  
Overall  
Moderate  
Moderate  
Moderate  
Problem-Focused. The results show that the respondents display high coping (x= 2.98) on problem-focused  
̄
which includes their active coping, use of informational support, planning, and positive reframing. Therefore,  
the results indicate very adequate coping strategies that are aimed at changing the stressful situation. Further, it  
connotes that they have highly sufficient psychological strength, grit, and a practical approach to problem-  
solving and are predictive of positive outcomes.  
Research consistently shows that problem-focused coping, including active coping, use of informational support,  
planning, and positive reframing, is a key predictor of positive outcomes in bereavement, particularly in the  
context of suicide loss (Drapeau, 2019; Mathieu, 2022; Hallen, 2022). This coping style is associated with  
posttraumatic growth (Drapeau, 2019), and is utilized by both suicide and sudden death bereaved individuals,  
particularly those with a previous mental health diagnosis (Mathieu, 2022).  
Emotion-Focused. The results indicate moderate ( x=2.42) emotional-focused coping of the respondents which  
̄
includes their use of emotional support, humor, acceptance, self-blame, and religion. The results indicate  
adequate coping strategies that aim to regulate emotions associated with the stressful situation.  
The coping strategies of family members left by loved ones who committed suicide are complex and  
multifaceted. Zavrou (2022) emphasizes the importance of maintaining a non-traumatizing memory of the  
deceased, destigmatizing the experience, and transforming it into support for others. Hallen (2022) further  
explores the role of coping styles in mitigating the impact of client suicide, with positive coping and humor being  
particularly effective. Groh (2018) and Dutra (2018) both highlight the need for culturally relevant postvention  
programs and the stages of the family's experience, from shock to rebuilding life. These studies collectively  
underscore the significance of coping strategies in the aftermath of suicide, and the potential for interventions to  
support those affected.  
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Avoidant Coping. The result indicates moderate (x=1.90) avoidant coping of the respondents which includes  
̄
their self-distraction, denial, substance use, and behavioral disengagement. The respondents display mild  
physical or cognitive efforts to disengage from the stressor. Also, results show fair adaptive coping.  
The coping strategies of family members left by loved ones who committed suicide are complex and  
varied. Mathieu (2022) found that individuals bereaved by suicide tend to use avoidant coping, particularly those  
with a previous mental health diagnosis. This is consistent with the moderate avoidant coping observed in the  
study. However, Jurado (2021) and McCann (2018) both highlight the importance of adaptive coping strategies,  
such as seeking support and reorienting life, in dealing with the effects of suicide grief and substance misuse.  
These findings suggest a need for targeted support and interventions to promote adaptive coping in this  
population.  
Objective 3. To identify the significant relationship between grief and coping with the demographic  
variables;  
Variables  
n
r
p
Grief and Municipality  
Grief and Age  
33  
33  
33  
33  
0.375  
0.278  
0.254  
0.348  
0.265  
0.051  
0.267  
0.337  
0.143  
0.031*  
0.017  
0.154  
0.047*  
0.136  
0.788  
0.132  
0.055  
0.428  
Grief and Gender  
Grief and Relation to the Victim  
Grief and Educational Attainment 33  
Grief and Family Monthly Income 33  
Grief and Occupation  
Grief and Civil Status  
Grief and Religion  
33  
33  
33  
Note:* the correlation is significant when p<0.05  
The results of the present study demonstrate a significant relationship between grief, municipality (r=0.375;  
sig=0.031), and relation to the victim (r=0.348; sig=0.047). Other demographic variables such as age (r=0.278;  
sig=0.117); gender (r=0.254; sig=0.154); educational attainment (r=0.265; sig=0.136); family monthly income  
(r=0.051; sig=0.778); occupation (r=0.267; sig=0.132); civil status (r=0.337; sig=0.055); and religion (r=0.143;  
sig=0.428).  
A weak relationship exists between grief and municipality may be attributed to the variations in the number of  
completed suicides per municipality. Likewise, this significant association is primarily affected by its  
geographical area and population. Among the five municipalities in the Province of Guimaras, Buenavista is the  
largest municipality and has the highest population share (Provincial Government of Guimaras, 2018).  
Moreover, this significant association may also affected by access to mental health services and social services  
among the bereaved families in every barangay. Thus, each Local Government Unit (LGU) has a unique strategy  
for helping families in times of crisis.  
Furthermore, the association between grief and the relationship with the victim may be ascribed to the emotions  
invested by the significant others toward the suicide victim. Culturally, Filipinos possess a value of close family  
ties (Gozum, 2020). Similarly, Selman et al., (2022) further claimed that emotional and overall support needs  
were much higher for close families compared to distant family members and friends. Likewise, Breen et al.,  
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(2021) surveyed people bereaved by COVID-19 and found a close relationship with the deceased with higher  
functional impairment compared to distant relationships. Existing literature hypothesized the type and quality  
shared between the deceased and bereaved person might influence grief processes (Ennis & Majid, 2021; Tseng  
et al., 2017).  
Variables  
n
r
p
Coping and Municipality  
Coping and Age  
33  
33  
33  
33  
33  
33  
33  
33  
33  
0.284  
0.189  
0.329  
0.209  
0.121  
-0.083  
0.127  
0.462  
-0.012  
0.110  
0.292  
0.062  
0.243  
0.501  
0.646  
0.480  
0.007*  
0.945  
Coping and Gender  
Coping and Relation to the Victim  
Coping and Educational Attainment  
Coping and Family Monthly Income  
Coping and Occupation  
Coping and Civil Status  
Coping and Religion  
Note:* the correlation is significant when p<0.05  
The results illustrate that among the demographic variables correlated with coping, only civil status (r=0.462;  
sig=0.007) had a significant relationship. Other demographic variables such as municipality (r=0.284;  
sig=0.110); as age (r=0.189; sig=0.292); gender (r=0.329; sig=0.062); relations to the victim (r=0.209;  
sig=0.243); educational attainment (r=0.121; sig=0.501); family monthly income (r=-0.083; sig=0.646);  
occupation (r=0.127; sig=0.480); and religion (r=-0.012; sig=0.945).  
In this paper, the results revealed that coping was associated with civil status. This association is linked with the  
frequency of marital status among the respondents since most of them were married. Contextually, it has been  
found that those who are married have better physical and mental health as well as lower mortality (Drefahl,  
2012). Despite their bereavement coping, married individuals, experience adequate levels of social, emotional,  
and financial support, monitor one another's health, and provide connections to a larger social network (Murray,  
2000). For single and widowers, receiving support from others from their relatives and surrounding people  
shown to lessen grief reaction. Also, having spiritual anchors helped alleviate relative’s grief reactions (Tyson,  
2012). Thus, making their coping more efficient and effective.  
Objective 4. To find the strength of the correlation between grief and coping.  
Variables  
n
r
p
Grief and Coping  
33  
0.749  
0.000*  
Note:* the correlation is significant when p<0.05  
The results revealed a significant relationship between grief and coping (r=0.749, sig=0.000). According to  
Dancey and Reidy (2007), 0.7 demonstrates a strong relationship between two variables. The results revealed a  
strong and positive relationship between grief and coping. This suggests that when a person experiences a  
profound level of grief, there is an innate tendency and personal disposition for the individual to cope  
accordingly.  
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Moreover, Stroebe and Schut (1999) claimed the results of the study by introducing their concept of the dual  
process model of grief. According to this model, bereaved families experience loss-oriented strategies such as  
rumination about the suicide victim and maintaining a continued relationship with the deceased. Simultaneously,  
the bereaved families also experience restoration-oriented coping such as adjusting to new identities and roles  
in response to losing the deceased person. Individuals with habitual styles of perception, thought, and coping  
determine how a person handles the stress of bereavement (Tantrarungroj et al., 2022). Likewise, more flexible  
individuals and able to use mature coping strategies will deal with bereavement more effectively than others  
(Institute of Medicine, 1984).  
The present findings also resonate with existing studies that coping has been associated with increased severity  
of grief (Fisher et al., 2020; Harper et al., 2015; McDevitt-Murphy et al., 2019; Schnider et al., 2007). In contrast,  
the study of Anderson et al., (2005) revealed coping has been associated with lower grief severity. Hence, this  
suggests the complicated relationship between coping and grief and may be affected by additional factors related  
to the suicidal event.  
CONCLUSIONS  
The results revealed low grief and moderate coping levels among the respondents. There were significant  
relationships between grief and demographic variables (municipality and relation to the victim). Similarly, a  
significant relationship between coping and demographic variables (civil status). Lastly, the study revealed a  
strong direct relationship between grief and coping. Thus, the present study concludes that the respondents had  
successfully surpassed the tumultuous journey of grief. With sufficient and appropriate coping strategies, the  
grief becomes meaningful to the bereaved families.  
Based on the results of the present research, it is hereby recommended that the Provincial Social Welfare and  
Development Office (Guimaras) conduct a regular suicide awareness program to mitigate the increasing cases  
of suicide in the entire province. Likewise, it is imperative to strengthen the holistic development of every  
individual which covers the moral, spiritual, and value formation.  
Further, in collaboration with Local Government Units may create ordinances or policies that would prevent  
discrimination towards bereaved individuals, and allocate a budget to increase access to mental health services.  
It is suggested that barangay officials and health workers will be trained in basic helping skills and crisis  
intervention.  
Lastly, it is recommended to provide livelihood programs to bereaved family members or financial support for  
them to start all over again and move on with their lives. Regular follow-ups for psychological debriefing and  
psychological debriefing to bereaved families may be valuable.  
ACKNOWLEDGMENT  
The researchers would like to acknowledge the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO)  
Guimaras, headed by Mrs. Shirley T. Gabutin, for funding the entire research project. This study would be  
invaluable without the efforts of Guimaras State University, headed by Dr. Lilian Diana B. Parreño, the LGUs  
of the five municipalities in the Province of Guimaras, and social workers who helped in a little way or another  
to make this study possible. All for the greater glory of God!  
Conflict of Interest Statement  
AI Disclosure  
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