The Grief Cycle: Investigating the Influence of Cycling on Grief Outcomes in Individuals who have Experienced a Bereavement

Abstract

Background There is a lack of research that investigates the influence of physical activity on grief outcomes. This research aimed to examine the influence of cycling on grief outcomes in individuals who have experienced a bereavement. Method Semi-structured interviews with 14 participants ( n = 8 males; age M = 47.5 years) who engaged in cycling behaviour and had experienced a bereavement. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to guide analysis. Results Four key themes were generated, providing: an (1) Embodied experience of cycling, within the 2) Cycling community, helping to provide support, alongside the (3) Nature connectedness, which led to 4) Post traumatic growth, following bereavement. Conclusion Evidence suggests that cycling can provide an opportunity for a physical challenge, an immense connection to nature and a community of support from likeminded individuals. These therapeutic qualities of cycling should be considered for future interventions and add novel findings to the area of cycling, bereavement and grief.