A Qualitative Psychological Autopsy of Male Employee Suicide: Implications for Workplace Mental Health and Suicide Prevention.

Suicide among working-age men remains a significant public health concern globally, yet limited evidence exists regarding the psychosocial and occupational circumstances surrounding employee suicide in Zimbabwe. This study employed a qualitative psychological autopsy approach to explore the factors preceding the suicide of two male employees and to identify opportunities for workplace suicide prevention and postvention. A phenomenological multiple-case study design was utilised. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with family members, colleagues, workplace wellness practitioners, and other key informants, supplemented by a review of relevant records. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used to identify participants with direct knowledge of the deceased employees.
Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Four major themes emerged: (1) cumulative psychosocial burden and erosion of support systems, (2) concealed distress and missed opportunities for intervention, (3) help-seeking, spirituality and interrupted suicide attempts, and (4) retrospective recognition of warning signs following death. Findings revealed that both deceased employees experienced significant psychosocial stressors, including financial difficulties, interpersonal challenges, and declining social support. Although warning signs were present, many were either misunderstood or recognised only after the suicides occurred. Evidence of previous suicide attempts, indirect verbal disclosures, behavioural changes, and the transfer of valued possessions suggested escalating suicide risk. The findings also highlighted the important role of informal support networks and spiritual interventions in delaying suicidal behaviour.
The study concludes that employee suicide is best understood as the outcome of interacting psychosocial, occupational, and individual vulnerabilities rather than a single causal factor. Strengthening workplace mental health literacy, gatekeeper training, crisis referral pathways, and postvention programmes may enhance early intervention and support for employees at risk of suicide.

suicide, psychological autopsy, male employee, workplace mental health, suicide prevention, postvention.

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