ABSTRACT
As noted in Chapter 2, one of the most basic diffi culties of early investigations involved the absence of any control or comparison groups with which the fi ndings about suicide survivors could be contrasted and compared. As has been steadily seen in the detailed reviews over time, beginning with the effort of Calhoun, Selby, and Selby (1982) in which not a single control group study was found, research including comparison groups has increased (e.g., McIntosh, 1993, 1999; Sveen & Walby, 2008). This basic essential design feature is a minimal starting point for any quantitative empirical investigation that is to be conducted regarding suicide bereavement and intervention. An evidence-based body of knowledge must have as its core the strength and foundation associated with solid research design.
