Understanding the long-term effects of losing someone to suicide

Identifying the longitudinal outcomes of suicide loss in a population-based cohort

NIH-funded research Boston University Medical Campus · NIH-10922868

This study looks at how losing someone to suicide affects the mental and physical health of their loved ones over 30 years, comparing their experiences to those who have lost someone in other ways, to help us better understand the unique challenges of suicide loss.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBoston University Medical Campus NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10922868 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the mental and physical health outcomes of individuals who have experienced the loss of a loved one to suicide. By utilizing extensive Danish national registry data, the study aims to track these outcomes over a 30-year period, focusing on various groups affected by suicide loss, including family members and non-familial relationships. The research will compare these outcomes with those of individuals who have experienced other types of loss, such as accidental deaths, to provide a comprehensive understanding of the impact of suicide loss. This approach aims to fill existing gaps in the literature and improve our understanding of the public health implications of suicide.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have lost a loved one to suicide, particularly those within the Danish population.

Not a fit: Patients who have not experienced a loss due to suicide or those outside the targeted demographic may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved support and interventions for individuals affected by suicide loss, ultimately enhancing their mental and physical health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown the importance of understanding the effects of bereavement, but this specific longitudinal approach to suicide loss is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Boston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.