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The meaning of bereavement following spousal loss - a qualitative study of the experiences of older adults

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posted on 2019-02-28, 16:02 authored by Anne Lise HolmAnne Lise Holm, Elisabeth Severinsson, Astrid Berland

Bereavement and spousal loss lead to emotional and practical problems, especially for those in failing health. The aim of this study was to explore the meaning of bereavement in older adults after the death of their spouse. The participants took part in in-depth interviews. The themes and sub-themes were identified using a hermeneutic approach. One overall theme, Struggling to maintain pride and dignity, three themes and six sub-themes emerged. The first theme, Understanding health decline, included one sub-theme; The difficulty asking for help. The second theme, A painful struggle, had three sub-themes: Striving to avoid feeling sorry for oneself, Searching for meaning when life becomes meaningless and Sensing that one’s spouse is present. In the third theme, Feeling misunderstood in the dialogue with others, two sub-themes emerged: Longing for support to achieve inclusion and Togetherness is the best medicine. It is vital to prevent older adults from carrying a permanent state of grief with them for the rest of their life.

Funding

Professor at Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, andn Faculty of Health and Social Science, University of South- Eastern Norway

History

Declaration of conflicts of interest

There is no conflicts of interest of this paper

Corresponding author email

anne.holm@hvl.no

Lead author country

  • Norway

Lead author job role

  • Higher Education Faculty 4-yr College

Lead author institution

Western Norway University of Applied Sciences,

Human subjects

  • Yes

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