Grief and Mourning during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Portugal

Aguiar, Ana; Pinto, Marta; Duarte, Raquel

doi:10.20344/amp.14345

Cited by 24 publications

(22 citation statements)

References 3 publications

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“…For example, Mortazavi et al (2020) described the impact of social distancing and isolation in Iran, relating this particular phenomenon to a potentiallyincreased prevalence of complicated grief. Quite a few writers have focused on CIVID-19 changes in burial/funeral practices, often describing the governmental policies that determine these, and suggesting how they may affect the grieving process and adaptation (e.g., Aguiar et al, 2020;Burrell & Selman, 2020;Johns et al, 2020;Mayland et al, 2020;O'Mahony, 2020). On the one hand, there are reality-confronting possibilities (of corona as well as mortality), on the other hand, the situation may lead to avoidance.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Bereavement in Times of COVID-19: A Review and Theoretical Framework

2020

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A review of the literature on adaptation to bereavement during the COVID-19 pandemic was conducted to assess the current state of knowledge. Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases were searched for studies published during the first 6 months of the COVID-19 outbreak. 44 articles were included in the review. Narrative synthesis showed that knowledge was largely based on expert assessments of prior bereavement research and professional experience; there is so far absence of empirical evidence linking features of COVID-19 bereavement situations to health outcomes. Severe negative consequences have been consistently predicted by authors. There is still relatively little consideration of positive or compensatory processes or the possibility that these could alleviate the effect of the shocking, traumatic circumstances. With two notable exceptions, there has been lack of attention to the role of theoretical models for guiding research and practice. A theoretical perspective (the Dual Process Model, DPM) was applied to the information derived from the available articles. Two features of the DPM framework illustrated its relevance: 1. It enables systematic assessment of the range of loss- and restoration-related challenges for the bereaved; 2. It speaks for extension of psychotherapeutic intervention to manage secondary, restoration- as well as primary, loss-oriented stressors; studies have demonstrated that this may increase the effectiveness of intervention. Directions for future research and DPM application are suggested.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Bereavement in Times of COVID-19: A Review and Theoretical Framework

2020

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“…All over the world, new guidelines and policies for the management of dead bodies, funerals, and burials are being implemented to contain the spread of infection [ 4 , 8 ]. These guidelines could disrupt the bereavement process [ 7 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The novel Coronavirus, on the other hand, transformed these treasured customs and rituals of death and dying all over the world [ 1 ]. These rites and ceremonies, which were once used to honor the departed and soothe the bereaved, have been curtailed or eliminated, and are now exclusively conducted by close relatives [ 8 ]. Reports of families deprived of the access to meet the patients dying from COVID-19; limited visitations to those suffering from other illnesses, denial to handover dead bodies, restrictions on funerals and other rituals, restrictions on number and relationship of mourners, and no close contact with the dead body are common [ 15 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A qualitative study on the impact of death during COVID-19: Thoughts and feelings of Portuguese bereaved adults

2022

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As a global threat, the COVID-19 pandemic has been an important factor in increasing death rate worldwide. As the virus spreads across international borders, it causes severe illness, death, and disruptions in our daily lives. Death and dying rituals and customs aid bereaved people in overcoming their grief. In this sense, the purpose of this study was to access thoughts and feelings of Portuguese adults and the impact of the loss in daily life during COVID-19. A structured online questionnaire was applied (snowball sampling) and qualitative data on death and mourning namely the impact of the loss in daily life, was collected. One hundred and sixty-six individuals have lost someone since the beginning of the pandemic and were included. Analysis was inspired by Braun and Clark’s content analysis. Most participants were female (66.9%), the median age was of 37.3 years, and 70.5% had a high education degree. Moreover, 30.7% of the participants present anxiety symptoms and 10.2% depression symptoms. The answers of studied participants gave insights on the extent of the loss in day-to-day life and four thematic themes were found: (1) The perceived inadequacy of the funeral rituality, (2) Sadness, fear and loneliness, (3) Changes in sleeping and concentration and increased levels of anxiety and (4) Concerns regarding the pandemic situation. We found a high prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms in the study sample. Also, the changes in post mortem procedures, have shown to be of great importance in the mourning procedure of the participants.

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“…Governments must be held accountable and use the recommendations of the WHO and the ICRC to protect the rights and dignity of the relatives and survivors of COVID-19 victims. Ana Aguiar 28 Portugal Journal article Perspective Recommendations have been provided for holding mourning and memorial ceremonies in accordance with preventive health protocols so that families can mourn for their lost loved ones and help themselves cope with the grief. Silvia Ussai 29 Italy Journal article Perspective Implementing burial restrictions should be done based on risk assessment.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%