In What Ways Do Bereaved Parents After Terror Go on With Their Lives, and What Seems to Inhibit or Promote Adaptation During Their Grieving Process? A Qualitative Study

Abstract

The aim of this article was to identify the ways in which bereaved parents go on with their lives following terror killings and to discuss what appears to inhibit or promote adaptation during their grieving process. The results of the study are aimed at presenting advice to professional helpers. From 22 in-depth interviews with parents bereaved by the 2011 terror attack in Norway, four main themes concerning coping were identified: (a) decisions, mindsets, and cognitions; (b) proactive and confronting activities; (c) avoidant and protective activities; (d) coping through support and assistance. A variety of coping strategies were employed: avoidance, protection and distraction, adaptive and maladaptive rumination, thought control, and confrontation. Most parents used several strategies to varying degrees and interchangeably over time, likely more or less adaptive and functional. The importance of helping the bereaved flexibly regulate the oscillation between loss-oriented and restoration-orientated life-tasks is emphasized for helping them cope effectively.