The self-perceived impact of parental suicide in adolescence, of a father, on his daughter’s intimate, heterosexual relationships in adulthood

Abstract

This research explores the self-perceived impact of parental suicide in adolescence, of a father, on his daughter’s intimate, heterosexual relationships in adulthood. The aim of the research was to ascertain if, and how, paternal suicide, in a young woman’s adolescence, affects her intimate, heterosexual relationships, in adulthood. Four participants who had lost their fathers to suicide between the ages of ten and nineteen, were interviewed, and transcripts were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. The findings conclude that the majority of participants had experienced difficulties in establishing intimate relationships that fully met their needs. Participants perceived these factors were directly linked to their suicide loss. Four main Group Experiential Themes arose from the data: Isolation; connection with self and others; post-traumatic stress; and anxiety and shame. This research raises awareness for counsellors and helping professionals.