Contextual information behaviour analysis of grief and bereavement: temporal and spatial factors, multiplicity of contexts and person-in-progressive situation

Abstract

Introduction. Grief and bereavement include cognitive, affective and physical dimensions. Pre- and post-grief manifest at different times of coping with loss and bereavement. Contextualisation of information behaviour studies and comprehension of contextual components e.g. temporal and spatial factors, progression and phenomenal contexts of grief is essential for information interventions. Although agreement on the meaning of context might continue to escape information behaviour researchers, widely cited interpretations of context might be used to analyse a selective body of literature to direct grief and bereavement information behaviour studies. Method. Interpretations of context and situation by Savolainen (temporal and spatial factors), Fourie (multiplicity) and Dunne (person-in-progressive-situation) are, selectively applied to a thematic content analysis of papers on grief and bereavement. Phenomenal context is analysed in more detail. Analysis. A thematic content analysis matrix was developed. Results. The analysis revealed a minimum of ten contextual components to consider in information behaviour studies of grief and bereavement. Conclusion. Information behaviour studies on grief and bereavement should acknowledge the diversity of contexts and contextual components that impact on information needs, unique requirements for information such as memorabilia, information processing and sharing of information.