Understanding the impact of culture and religion on bereavement outcomes and relationships with the deceased

• Main Author: Hussein, Hanan
• Published: University of Birmingham 2007
• Subjects: 155
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.486524

A literature review is first presented in which both quantitative and qualitative studies are reviewed in the area of 'religious coping and outcome. The main findings ofthe review were centrality ofthe bereaved person's relationship with God. Spiritual support coping and benevolent God reappraisals were associated with positive outcomes, while religious discontent and punishing God reappraisals were associated with poorer outcomes. Implications for future • work and therapeutic interventions are discussed. The second part was a research study concerning the nature of relationships to deceased relatives in a sample ofBritish Muslims ofPakistani origin. Ten participants! were interviewed through a semi-structured interview schedule following the cultural psychology model, the transcriptions ofwhich were analysed through'grounded theory methodology. Talking with others about the deceased, following the deceased's example and helping the deceased following their death were forms ofcontinued relationship found. These were intertwined with a process ofgrieving and were influenced by the frameworks of family, culture and religion. Limitations ofthe study, implications for future researCh, adjustment and interventions are discussed.