Death studies
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Effects of directed written disclosure on grief and distress symptoms among bereaved individuals.
Bereavement-specific written disclosure trials have generally demonstrated null effects, but these studies have not directed the focus of writing. This randomized controlled trial compared directed writing that focused on either sense-making or benefit-finding, both associated with adjustment to loss, to traditional, non-directed emotional disclosure and a control condition. ⋯ Physical health improved over time in all treatment groups. Findings suggested that directing written disclosure on topics associated with adjustment to bereavement may be useful for grieving individuals.
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The pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) is a high-tech setting aimed at restoring health to critically ill children. When childhood death occurs in the PICU, it constitutes a special context for parent bereavement. ⋯ Through interviews and focus groups with bereaved parents and hospital chaplains, categories of parents' needs emerged. Deeper understanding of parents' needs will allow health professionals to better support parents during bereavement as well as to provide more customized care.
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This exploratory study gathered narratives from 10 female suicide survivors, exploring 3 dimensions of their religious life during bereavement: (a) the function of the survivor's personal religion; (b) the function of religious support from family and friends; and (c) the function of established religious communities. Ten themes emerged from the narratives: afterlife destiny of the loved one, a more spiritual perspective, the impact on religious beliefs, support from family and friends, survivors' contribution to emotionally distant relationships, long-term and in-depth spiritual support, religious support from congregants, the ministry of clergy, the funeral service, and the return to public worship services. The participants believed that religion played an important role in their bereavement process. The results suggest future research questions, including: (a) what is the perceived role of God in the suicide and the bereavement; (b) what is the relationship between the survivor's participation in a religious community and the care received from that community; and (c) what postvention do survivors wish from clergy?
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This study comprehensively explored parental bereavement and adjustment at 6 months post-loss due to childhood cancer. Interviews were conducted with 18 mothers and 13 fathers. ⋯ Domains are illustrated by quotes. Profiles of parental bereavement emerged.
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Hospice care is available for 6 months before death but the length of use varies widely, suggesting that there are different perspectives on the appropriate timing for this transition. This qualitative study explored hospice professionals' views on the appropriate timing for and communication about hospice. ⋯ Results suggest timely admissions are situation-specific and involve a terminal prognosis, terminal decline, and a mutual understanding. Important aspects of communication among families, physicians, and hospice teams are described.