Turning to Waheguru: Religious and Cultural Coping Mechanisms of Bereaved Sikhs

Abstract

Grief and loss are universal experiences for all individuals and communities. The experience of a loss due to death and the bereavement process to follow are influenced by an individual’s religious values and beliefs. In this article, we discuss the Sikh bereavement process in the United States. We provide brief personal narratives as exemplar case studies, highlight religious and cultural factors, and explain potential challenges of bereavement. Finally, we discuss implications for mental health clinicians and other providers of services that surround death and dying.