Well-respected research consultancy, The Science of Knowing, has facilitated a number of evaluations of the StandBy model and its efficacy over recent years. It was been shown that within 12 months after the loss, people who have received support from StandBy report lower levels of suicidality and loss of social support than people bereaved by suicide who did not access StandBy’s support.
Evaluation:
StandBy Support After Suicide works
The study
The most recent study, undertaken 2020 – 2021, measured changes in grief experiences and levels of suicidality for people bereaved by suicide who accessed StandBy’s support, compared with people who did not access StandBy.
The groups were asked to complete two surveys, three months apart to measure these changes.
The study also captured people’s opinions about the support provided by StandBy4.
The results
Results suggest that support from StandBy may help to continue reducing the risk of suicidality for those bereaved by suicide, while others’ risk may continue to rise over time4.
“Research finds that StandBy can play an important role in preventing further suicides amongst bereaved people.”
Specific findings
Change in overall loneliness
DLS scores*
Loneliness remained stable over time, but the StandBy group still reported significantly lower levels of loneliness than the comparison group.
*De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale (DLS) – The DLS measures social and emotional loneliness and provides a measure of social isolation. Overall scores range from 0-6 (0 = least lonely, 6 = most lonely)
Change in suicide risk
Based on those with SBQ* scores of 7 or above.
The StandBy group showed a decline in suicidality over time, while the comparison group showed an increase in their average score. The difference between StandBy’s decline and the comparison group’s increase was statistically significant.
*The Suicide Behaviours Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ) measures different dimensions and frequency of suicidality (e.g. suicide ideation, suicide attempt). Scores on SBQ range from 3-18, with scores equal to or above 7 indicating being at high risk of suicidality.
Reduction in grief reactions
Change to GEQ* scores at T2.
Grief reaction remained stable, with neither group showing any significant changes. However, StandBy group tend to decline over time, while comparison group tend to remain stable or increase slightly.
*Grief experience Questionnaire (GEQ) – the GEQ measures grief reactions associated with bereavement in general as well as grief reactions unique to suicide bereavement (stigma, responsibility, shame, rejection). Scores range from 5-25, the higher the score the more likely presence of grief experience.
Learnings from the study:
1. Impact
The impact of suicide stretches well beyond the first 12 months after the loss.
2. Closeness
The perceived closeness of the relationship had a significant effect on grief reactions and levels of loneliness, while the perceived impact of the death significantly influenced suicidality as well.
3. Relationship
StandBy group were more likely to have lost a partner/spouse/child. This presents an opportunity for StandBy to more actively engage with close friends of people who suicide.
4. Stigma
Stigmatisation is an area where people who accessed StandBy still scored highly, so further addressing this need may help to reduce feelings of stigma and judgement.
Overall, people were very satisfied with StandBy:
of people said they would recommend StandBy to others
were happy with the support provided
said that they could not have received equally good support elsewhere
said that they would not have coped as easily without StandBy
StandBy would like to thank the people bereaved by suicide who participated in the study for their courage in sharing their experience of suicide bereavement. Information collected from the study is being used to improve and monitor the quality of the service and improve outcomes for those bereaved by suicide.
The study received ethical approval through UnitingCare Queensland Human Research Ethics Committee on the 14th July 2020 (Approval #09042020 Part A).
4.Visser, V. & Tretheway, R. (2021). StandBy Client Feedback Project – Final Report, The Science of Knowing, Buddina, QLD, Australia.
Governance
StandBy Support After Suicide is dedicated to supporting people and communities across Australia bereaved or impacted by suicide.
Click here to learn more about our governance and strategic plan.
