Of all the specific feelings experienced by survivors of suicide victims, _____________ is one of the predominant feelings due to the stigma associated with it:

• A. Shame
• B. Guilt
• C. Anger
• D. All of the above

Answer: (A)

Stigma surrounding suicide makes survivors internalize others’ disapproval, leading to a painful sense of being unworthy or defective because of the association. This feeling—shame—targets the self and social perception, often driving withdrawal or secrecy as people try to hide the pain and avoid judgment. Guilt can arise if a survivor feels responsible for the death or thinks they could have done more, and anger may surface from unresolved distress, but the stigma itself most directly fosters shame. So, shame is the predominant response linked to the social disapproval surrounding suicide.