PSYCHOLOGY INTERNS AS PATIENT SUICIDE SURVIVORS - INCIDENCE, IMPACT, AND RECOVERY

The authors investigated incidence, impact, and methods of coping with patient suicide during the training years of Psychology graduate students. All 54 interns in clinical psychology at the Boston VA in 1983-1988 were surveyed. 1 in 6 Ss had experienced a patient's suicide at some time during their training. The group who experienced a patient's suicide and a group who experienced a patient's suicide attempt both reported high levels of stress on the Impact of Event Scale. Trainees with patient suicides reported stress levels equivalent to that found in patient samples with bereavement and higher than that found with professional clinicians who had patient suicides. Trainees most frequently turned to supervisors for both support and formulation of the suicide. Preparatory efforts at suicide education were found to be minimal and inadequate. Recommendations for assisting the trainee who experiences a patient's suicide are discussed.