A Relational Perspective on Social Support Between Bereaved and Their Networks After Terror: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

The aim of this study is to increase the understanding of social network support after traumatic deaths and, by demonstrating the complexities of such encounters, to highlight whether such support may be totally beneficial. A phenomenological dynamic and relational perspective was applied to 22 in-depth interviews with parents bereaved as a result of the 2011 terror attack in Norway. Three main themes were identified in respect of interactional support processes: (a) valued support, (b) stressful experiences, and (c) interactive barriers. As well as describing the value of experienced support, the article also elaborates on the effect of lacking, avoidant, and inept support. The findings show that insecure communication and a nonmatching understanding of time and emotional overload can form interactive barriers between the bereaved and their networks. By better understanding the relational regulation processes inherent in social support we may provide informed advice to both the bereaved and their networks to maximize recovery.

How Do Drug-Death-Bereaved Parents Adjust to Life Without the Deceased? A Qualitative Study

“…Openness, an assertion of personal needs, involves educating others as to how to support them (K. Dyregrov & Dyregrov, 2008 , p. 118) and can help the bereaved deal with the overload ( Stroebe & Schut, 2016 ). In line with other studies of unnatural deaths (K. Dyregrov & Dyregrov, 2008 ; K. Dyregrov et al., 2018 ; Feigelman et al., 2020 ), there are good reasons to argue here that proactive bereaved persons can help people in their social networks to take the perhaps difficult step to talk about DRD. Social networks therefore need to be informed of their potential role through listening with respect and through empathy.…”

The Perceived Impact of Suicide Bereavement on Specific Interpersonal Relationships: A Qualitative Study of Survey Data

“…In a Norwegian qualitative study of people bereaved by suicide, accidental death, and sudden infant death syndrome, participants reported that because these were unusual deaths, others were unsure about what to say or how to offer support [24]. This is contrasted with a Norwegian qualitative study describing the experiences of people bereaved by terrorist attack, in which public outrage appeared to fuel an outpouring of support [25]. Whilst this did not preclude experiences of others’ avoidance and social awkwardness, it was comforting for participants to know that other offers of support were available.…”

Changes in psychosocial resources as predictors of posttraumatic growth: A longitudinal study of low-income, female Hurricane Katrina survivors.

“…For instance, a number of Katrina-related trauma exposures indicated relational stressors and losses, which could impact both perceived social support and PTG Full Scale, and perhaps the relationship between them as well. Indeed, research has shown that experiencing bereavement through sudden deaths are more likely to have barriers in accessing support from their social networks and perceived less social support overall (Dyregrov et al, 2018; Frost et al, 2017). It is also possible that the associations between changes in perceived social support is not a strong driver of PTG Full Scale, particularly when social networks continue to change within the postdisaster period.…”