Cardoso ÉADO, Silva BCDAD, Santos JHD, Lotério LDS, Accoroni AG, Santos MAD. The effect of suppressing funeral rituals during the COVID-19 pandemic on bereaved families.
Rev Lat Am Enfermagem 2020;
28:e3361. [PMID:
32901773 PMCID:
PMC7478881 DOI:
10.1590/1518-8345.4519.3361]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective
amidst the greatest health crisis in history triggered by COVID-19, this
documental study was intended to understand the meanings individuals who
have lost loved ones in this context assign to the phenomenon of suppressed
funeral rituals.
Method
based on the theory of grief, the corpus of this study was
composed of documents published in digital media containing personal
writings and reports of experiences freely and easily available to the
public. Two researchers with expertise in the field used inductive thematic
analysis to interpret data.
Results
the experiences shared in the reports reflect the suffering experienced by
the sudden death of a significant person, which is amplified by the absence
or impediment to performing familial farewell rituals. The suppression or
abbreviation of funeral rituals is a traumatic experience because family
members are prevented from fulfilling their last homage to the loved one who
has suddenly passed away, causing feelings of disbelief and indignation.
Conclusion
alternatives and new ways to celebrate passage rituals in emergencies of
strong social commotion such as a pandemic are needed to provide support and
comfort to family members, friends, and relatives. These rituals help
survivors to overcome the critical moment, decreasing the risk of developing
complicated grief.
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