Occupational Therapy in the bereavement process: A meta-synthesis

Abstract

Introduction: Bereavement is a complex process characterised by a state of grief and suffering, which impacts the health and well-being of the bereaved, and extends to their occupational performance. Thus, occupation can be understood to be central in the expression of bereavement after the death of a loved one as it mediates identity formation, interpersonal relationships, a sense of belonging, and future perspectives. Purpose: To review English and Portuguese literature and identify how occupational therapists perceive and/or intervene in the bereavement process. Method: A meta-synthesis was conducted by database search and article analysis. Results and Discussion: Eight qualitative style articles were analysed. From these, three categories were derived from the content analysis: 1) Relationship between study participants and the deceased; 2) Occupational repercussions of bereavement; and 3) Occupation as a means to an end in the therapy process of the bereaved. Conclusions: Although the need for studies of the bereavement process and its implications for occupations is urgent, this study points out that occupations can be predictors of understanding the elaboration process through occupational engagement and that they also act as a potential resource to construct meaning about the death of the loved one.

Occupational therapists' perceived ability to treat and assist bereaved individuals to find new meaning in life through engagement in therapeutic activities

“…The findings of this present study strongly suggest that it was part of the occupational therapist's role to intervene when bereaved individuals struggled to adapt to their changed performance patterns. This concurs with findings by Dahdah and Joaquim, 6 that bereavement causes a change in lifestyle, abandonment of roles or an inability to perform co-occupations by the bereaved individual. Furt-hermore, Dahdah et al 9 alert us that a bereaved individual might experience a need to continue to fulfil their prior roles and daily routines.…”

“…Complicated bereavement or prolonged grief disorder affects a bereaved individual's quality of life by causing mental, physical and emotional strain 4 . Individuals who experience the loss of close relationships may experience impairment in occupations and disruption of roles and be unable to perform certain activities associated with role fulfilment 6 . The impact of bereavement on roles, occupations and quality of life may lead to a need for occupational therapy intervention.…”

“…It further affects occupational engagement and participation, and the bereaved individual's life roles and body functions5, which indirectly affect their health and well-being. Bereavement also impacts on how bereaved individuals participate in occupations such as activities of daily living (ADL), leisure tasks, social participation and work 6,7,8 .…”

“…truction 5 and occupational participation 6,8 . Consequently, occupational therapists use occupations or therapeutic activities to create meaning for bereaved individuals 9 .…”

“…Through a literature search, the researchers of this article found limited evidence that supports the use of occupational therapy in treating bereaved individuals 6,9 . Furthermore, there was a paucity of literature in the South African context which discusses occupational therapists' perceived ability to treat bereaved individuals find new meaning in life through engagement in therapeutic activities even though the death of someone significant is a painful and often devastating life event 3 .…”