Qualitative Exploration of the Nature of Grief-Related Beliefs and Expectations

Abstract

Societal expectations of grief impact the experience of bereavement. The congruence of societal expectations with current scientific understanding of grief is unknown. Therefore two qualitative studies explored community perceptions of grief. In study one, three small focus groups (N = 9) examined grief-related expectations associated with hypothetical scenarios of bereavement. In study two, the impact of grief-related perceptions on the lived experience of bereavement for 11 individuals was explored through semistructured interviews. Across both studies, elements of a traditional stage model view of grief were evident, with participants viewing emotional expression of grief as important. An avoidant coping style in the bereaved was considered problematic. Findings of study two suggested that griefrelated beliefs may impact the bereavement experience via appraisal of the grief response and willingness to support bereaved individuals. The studies suggested that stage model assumptions in the beliefs of the general population persist, although there was a recognition of diversity in the grief response.

Public Attitudes About Normal and Pathological Grief

“…These findings indicate that when people read about a death, they expected a finite period of grief, which is consistent with empirical data showing decreases in the frequency and intensity of grief expressed over time (Ott, Lueger, Kelber, & Prigerson, 2007;Prigerson et al, 2009), as well as research on public attitudes indicating strong expectations of change over time (Costa et al, 2007). Contrary to predictions, participants reported a similar level of willingness to interact with the bereaved person, irrespective of time since bereavement.…”

“…possible influences of confounding influences such as social desirability on these behavioral intentions to better predict real-world behaviors. Furthermore, research indicates that personal experience of and contact with people who are bereaved, may enhance an individual's ability to understand grief and offer realistic expectations of the bereaved person (Costa et al, 2007;Jorm & Oh, 2009). Further investigation into the influence of personal experience on the effects observed in this study would be beneficial.…”

“…Because of pervasive expectations in this study concerning the appropriate duration of grief, it is expected that bereaved people may internalize these norms, shaping their perceptions of how well they are coping and their overall experience of grief (Breen & O'Connor, 2010). Interventions should focus on correcting erroneous assumptions in the general public and highlighting the variability in the experience of grief, as reported by people who have actually been bereaved (Costa et al, 2007).…”

“…Research also indicates that people offer less social support are less willing to interact with the bereaved person when the relationship to the death is considered disenfranchised (Thornton, Robertson, & Mlecko, 1991), such as the death of one's extra-marital partner or a traumatic death (Dyregrov, 2003(Dyregrov, -2004, such as a death resulting from a car crash. Finally, research suggests that members of the general public have clear expectations concerning the appropriate duration of grief, providing evidence that time is an important factor in shaping norms (Costa, Hall, & Stewart, 2007). Past research has indicated that the more pervasive public expectations of grief, the more likely bereaved people are to internalize these beliefs and feel that they must act accordingly (Breen & O'Connor, 2010).…”

Professionals' Experiences of Grief Counseling: Implications for Bridging the Gap between Research and Practice

“…Grief education programs aimed at the community have been proposed elsewhere (e.g., Murray, 2002). In particular, the counselors saw a role for the dissemination of support strategies and a challenge to some of the commonly held, yet often erroneous, assumptions about the course of grief (see also Costa, Hall, & Stewart, 2007). For instance, one counselor asserted, "I'd like to see more recognition .…”