Predictors of Prolonged Grief in Suicide Loss Survivors: The Role of Social Invalidation, Meaning in Life and Time Since Loss

Abstract

This study explores predictors of prolonged grief symptoms in Spanish adults bereaved by suicide, focusing on demographic, circumstantial and psychosocial factors. Participants completed assessments on prolonged grief symptoms, depressive symptoms, posttraumatic growth, meaning in life, perceived social support, social (in)validation and time since loss. Results showed that social invalidation was the strongest predictor of prolonged grief symptoms. In contrast, a strong sense of meaning in life was linked to lower prolonged grief symptoms and depressive symptoms, underscoring its protective role. Time since loss also predicted prolonged grief symptoms, supporting the idea that grief lessens over time. Notably, posttraumatic growth correlated more with social validation than with time since the loss. Kinship differences were also significant: parents who lost a child reported the highest prolonged grief symptoms, followed by spouses, while those who lost more distant relatives showed lower grief intensity. These findings emphasize the psychological impact of social responses to suicide loss and the importance of meaning-making in grief adaptation in Spanish suicide loss survivors.

Keywords: Spanish Suicide loss survivors; meaning in life; prolonged grief; relationship closeness; social validation.