Understanding grief in a time of COVID-19 - a hypothetical approach to challenges and support

Abstract

<p><a></a>This article develops preliminary understandings of loss and grief at both an individual and collective level following the COVID-19 outbreak. By examining relevant media and academic discourses, the authors analyse and envisage challenges and support for those experiencing loss during COVID-19. The discussion revisits and further relocates the ideas of good and bad deaths in the context of increased social constrains and inequalities. Further, two pairs of contrasting hypotheses are proposed to examine the impacts of COVID-19 on both bereaved individuals and society as a whole during and post the outbreak. The discussion captures a mixed picture of grief and bereavement, which highlights the importance of timely, holistic and continuous support. It is found that individual and collectives express diverse needs to respond to deaths and losses as a process of meaning-making. Further the significance of socio-cultural environments also become evident. These findings highlight community support during COVID-19 and further promote a grief literate culture as imperative to support individual and collective needs when confronted with loss and grief. This article provides timely and comprehensive accounts of possible challenges and support both for individual and collective experiences of loss and grief. These understandings could facilitate further research, informing better practice and policy decisions to support the bereaved in the context of COVID-19 and other disruptive world events.</p>

COVID-19 and Disenfranchised Grief

“…These virtual interactions don't replace usual in person interactions and rituals. Not only did they previously include both immediate and extended family members and friends but allowed for physical connection and touch-a pat in the back, a stroke, a hug (10). Sharing their pain with other bereaved people, and having a place of memorialization, may foster emotion expression and meaningmaking for bereaved people (11,12).…”

Bereavement for a Loved Person: A Look at the Opinions and Process of Coping With Grief in the COVID-19 Era

“…Given the unprecedented challenges, uncertainties, isolation, and social restrictions resulting from COVID-19, it is reasonable to speculate that death and mourning can be greatly affected. As widely reported by the media, many patients worldwide have died alone at home and in hospitals, nursing homes, or other care facilities without the presence of their loved ones (Fang & Comery, 2020). Quarantine and social distancing rules and regulations may limit the capac-ity of bereaved individuals to seek emotional intimacy and social connection when faced with experiences of loss and grief (Valentine, 2009).…”

“…COVID-19 patients could die of widespread physical deterioration, grief, and distress. The pain from this phenomenon can be further increased by forcing separation from loved ones due to strict prevention and control measures (Fang & Comery, 2020).…”

Death From COVID-19, Muslim Death Rituals and Disenfranchised Grief – A Patient-Centered Care Perspective

“…COVID-19 presented unprecedented challenges of uncertainties, isolation, patients dying alone in hospitals, hospices, or other care facilities without saying goodbye or having their loved ones paying last respects, thereby affecting experiences of death and bereavement ( Fang & Comery, 2020 ; Ramsay, 2020 ). Furthermore, lockdown and social distancing have been restricting bereavement processes of emotional closeness and social connectedness, triggering overpowering sorrow and regret, resulting in disenfranchised grief ( Doka, 1989 ; Holst-Warhaft, 2000 ; Valentine, 2009 ).…”