Experiences of survivor guilt following traumatic events
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Experiences of survivor guilt in people that have survived traumatic events where others have died: an interpretative phenomenological analysis
IRAS ID
144327
Contact name
Yasmin Pethania
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Surrey
Research summary
An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) exploring how people experience “survivor guilt” following a traumatic event.
Research indicates that survivors of trauma can experience guilt in relation to various aspects of their trauma – with regards to things they did or not do, feelings they did or did not have (Janoff-Bulman & Wortman, 1977), having certain thoughts and beliefs (Kubany & Manke, 1984) and for perceiving to have done wrong by merely surviving when others did not, “survivor guilt” (Lifton & Olson, 1976; Niederland, 1968). The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed., American Psychiatric Association, 1994) defines survivor guilt as ‘guilt about surviving when others have not or guilt about behaviour required for survival’.
Although the term survivor guilt is commonly referred to in clinical settings, popular culture and lay language, the phenomenon has been largely neglected in trauma related research. A comprehensive review of existing literature indicates the current state of knowledge about survivor guilt is poor due to paucity and scarcity of empirical research. The majority of existing studies are quantitative and lack clarity and depth about what the experience of survivor guilt is like.
The aim of this research is to understand what the experience of survivor guilt following a traumatic event is like from the perspective of the person experiencing it.
Individuals with a diagnosis of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) will be interviewed about their experience of survival following a traumatic event with a particular focus on how they understood their survival when others died. Data analysis will comprise of analysing interview transcripts in line with IPA guidance. This study will be conducted in conjunction with a specialist trauma service and interviews will be held on site. To manage risk all participants will be receiving treatment for their PTSD whilst taking part in the study.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - South Yorkshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/YH/0130
Date of REC Opinion
21 May 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion