Understanding the needs for support and coping strategies in grief following the loss of a significant other: insights from a cross-sectional survey in Sweden

Author:

Benkel Inger123ORCID,Skoglund Johanna3,Enstedt Daniel4,Hård af Segerstad Ylva5ORCID,Öhlén Joakim36,Nyblom Stina23ORCID

Affiliation:

1. Palliative Centre, Högsbo Hospital, Box 30110, Gothenburg 40043, Sweden

2. Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden

3. Palliative Centre at Sahlgrenska University Hospital Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden

4. Religious Studies, Department of Literature, History of Ideas and Religion, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden

5. Department of Applied IT and Centre for Person-Centred Care, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden

6. Institute of Health and Care Sciences and Centre for Person-Centred Care, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden

Abstract

Background: Grief has previously been described in pathological terms, characterized by several stages. In the past three decades, new perspectives on grief as a reaction to the loss of a significant other have emerged. It shows that grief is an individual process based on circumstances surrounding the death and the bereaved person’s life situation, rather than being predetermined. Objective: The aim of the study was to show how grief is perceived by people who have lost a significant other, and it focuses on bereavement support, how the death affects the bereaved person’s living conditions, how the bereaved person deals with grief, and if grief is expressed differently depending on whether it was an expected death (ED) or an unexpected death (UED). Design: A cross-sectional design was used with data collected anonymously using an online survey with semi-structured answers and options for participants to add their own comments, and it was analyzed descriptively. Result: Support in grief was mainly given by family and friends, and the perceived need was primarily for emotional support or emotional support combined with practical support, and to a greater extent for UEDs and women. For some bereaved persons, health caregivers and religious institutions provided support outside their own network. Grief can affect how people socialize with others and change social relationships. People can deal with grief in social as well as religious ways in the company of friends, through everyday conversations, spending time in nature, and having a spiritual outlook on life, and with the help of pets. Conclusion: The results can contribute to an increased understanding of grief after the loss of a significant other and how grief affects the bereaved person’s life depending on whether it is an ED or a UED. There was a difference between the genders, with women perceiving a need for and receiving different forms of support and to a greater extent than men.

Funder

Adlerbertska Stiftelserna

Hjalmar Svensson Foundation

Publisher

SAGE Publications

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