Loreto College

THE ROLE OF RELIGION AND SPIRITUALITY IN SUICIDE BEREAVEMENT AND POSTVENTION

Speaker: Ms. Madhusree Dasgupta

Topic: Doing Research: The Role of Religion and Spirituality in Suicide Bereavement and Postvention in England

Date: April 7^th, 2026

Time: 9:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.

Venue: Room 425, Loreto College

Department of Psychology(PG)

A lecture session under the Alumnae Lecture Series was conducted for the students of the Department of Psychology, PG Semester 2 and Semester 4, focusing on the process of conducting research within a sensitive and complex psychological domain - suicide bereavement and postvention. The session aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of how research is conceptualized, structured, and implemented, particularly in relation to the role of religion and spirituality among adults living in the United Kingdom.

The session began with an introduction to suicide as a significant public health concern, emphasizing its psychological and social consequences on individuals who are bereaved by suicide. It was highlighted that suicide-bereaved individuals experience unique challenges, including stigma, emotional distress, and complicated grief. The speaker noted that religion and spirituality may serve as important coping mechanisms; however, their influence remains complex and not uniformly understood.

A distinction was made between existing knowledge and research gaps. It was observed that while suicide is widely acknowledged as a serious public health issue and spirituality may play a role in the bereavement process, empirical findings regarding this relationship remain inconsistent. Furthermore, there is a lack of sufficient research and representation of diverse voices, indicating a clear need for further investigation. The conceptual framework of the study emphasized the distinction between religion and spirituality. Religion was defined as an organized system of beliefs and practices, whereas spirituality was described as a subjective and individualized experience of meaning, connection, and transcendence. The concept of suicide bereavement was also critically examined, highlighting its multidimensional nature, involving emotional, social, and existential components that extend beyond traditional models of grief.

A significant component of the lecture focused on postvention, defined as interventions designed to reduce risk and facilitate healing among individuals affected by suicide. The TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) model was introduced as a three-phase framework consisting of stabilization, grief work, and post-traumatic growth. Stabilization involves addressing immediate distress and ensuring safety; grief work focuses on emotional processing and adaptation to loss; and post-traumatic growth emphasizes meaning-making, resilience, and psychological development following trauma.

The research methodology was explained in detail, reflecting a mixed-methods design. Participants were recruited through snowball sampling, while purposive sampling was employed for selecting interview participants. Data collection involved a two-step process consisting of surveys and in-depth interviews. Participants were categorized based on religious or spiritual beliefs, duration of bereavement, and their relationship to the deceased. A sample of approximately 25 participants was selected in collaboration with the research team to ensure representation and reduce bias.

In terms of data analysis, quantitative survey data were analyzed using descriptive and correlational statistics. Qualitative interview data were examined using reflexive thematic analysis, incorporating both semantic and latent coding. The importance of maintaining a reflexive diary and acknowledging researcher positioning within a social constructivist framework was emphasized as a crucial component of qualitative research rigor.

Ethical considerations were highlighted as central to the research process, particularly given the sensitive nature of suicide-related topics. The speaker discussed the need for appropriate ethical clearance, especially in research involving human participants and potentially vulnerable populations. Key ethical aspects included informed consent procedures, confidentiality, data protection regulations, and safeguarding protocols. The importance of identifying and managing risk was emphasized as a critical component of ethical applications, ensuring that research is conducted responsibly and realistically. Additionally, collaboration with institutional and organizational bodies was encouraged to maintain ethical standards and seek guidance where necessary.

The session also emphasized good practice principles in research. It was highlighted that lived experiences should be incorporated into research design wherever possible, promoting co-production approaches. Reflexivity was identified as an essential practice, aiding both data interpretation and academic writing. The role of steering groups and collaborative research guidance was also discussed as a means of enhancing research quality and accountability. Furthermore, patient and public involvement in suicide and self-harm research was recognized as an important component of inclusive and impactful research practices. Practical aspects of conducting research were discussed, including recruitment strategies through third-sector organizations, faith-based institutions, and social media platforms. A structured recruitment timeline was followed, and efforts were made to ensure diversity within the sample. Preliminary demographic findings indicated that a majority of participants were above the age of 51, with a higher proportion of female participants. Most participants identified as White-British, with representation of Christian and spiritual belief systems. These observations highlighted the importance of considering demographic trends and representation in research interpretation.

The lecture further addressed career pathways in research. Various potential positions were discussed, including roles such as Project Officer, Research Assistant, Lab Researcher, Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, and Policy Officer. The speaker emphasized that pursuing a PhD is not always the only or necessary pathway for a career in research, encouraging students to explore diverse professional opportunities within the field. In discussing future directions, the speaker outlined key steps following the completion of research. These included writing and publishing research papers, collaborating with voluntary organizations for dissemination of findings, participating in academic networks and conferences such as OxCSWell, and developing subsequent research projects. The importance of continuous engagement with the research community was emphasized as essential for academic and professional growth.

The session concluded with a reflection on the uncertainties and challenges inherent in research and academic careers. Students were encouraged to approach research with flexibility, persistence, and critical engagement, recognizing that the process is often iterative and non-linear. The importance of developing a tentative research direction, engaging deeply with existing literature, and remaining resilient in the face of setbacks was highlighted. Overall, the lecture provided a comprehensive and practical understanding of conducting research in a complex psychological domain. It emphasized the interaction between religion, spirituality, and suicide bereavement, while also highlighting methodological rigor, ethical responsibility, reflexivity, and career development within the field of psychological research.

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