Which term describes the guilt felt by family and friends after a death?

The term that describes the guilt felt by family and friends after a death is survivor guilt. This concept refers to the remorse and emotional strain experienced by those who have lost someone close to them, particularly when they may question why they survived or why they were unable to prevent the death. Survivor guilt is a common response and can manifest in feelings of sadness, shame, or anger, often leading individuals to reflect on their own lives and experiences in the wake of someone else's passing.

Thanatophobia pertains to the fear of death or dying, which is a different emotional response and does not specifically involve guilt. A suicidal gesture is typically an expression of a person's intent to cause self-harm or communicate distress, and while it is associated with deep emotional pain, it does not capture the feeling of guilt over another's death. Sympathy generally refers to feelings of compassion or sorrow for someone's loss but does not encompass the more complex emotions of guilt associated with surviving in the aftermath of a death.

In contrast, survivor guilt is specifically focused on the emotional burden carried by the living after the loss, making it the correct choice in this context.