An exploration into how a woman's sense of self changes following spousal bereavement
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- Title
- An exploration into how a woman's sense of self changes following spousal bereavement
- Creator
- Sulakshana Sritharan
- Supervisor
- Dr Maria Luca.
- Date
- 2012
- Abstract
- This is a grounded theory study, investigating the process of adjustment post-loss and how a woman's sense of self changes following spousal bereavement. Qualitative interviews were held with eight women who were between thirty seven and seventy years of age and who have been bereaved of a spouse within the past four and a half to nine years. The theory of change in sense of self following spousal bereavement that emerged from the study was an ongoing process in which women engaged in a meaning making process by moving in an upwards motion using their narratives to seek explanations for the loss which shifted their sense of self. This cyclical, but upward motion, is described as a form of continuous self-development. Since limited research has been conducted into women's sense making following spousal bereavement from the perspective of the women who experience it, the theory provides a much needed model for understanding the complex and dynamic processes that women experience following spousal bereavement. The theory has implications for prevention, treatment and psycho-education in the area of bereavement counselling as well as informing women's own recovery and adjustment post-spousal death. It also highlights the importance of counselling therapies that provide a space for women to identify and express their needs, explore individual experiences, work on developing narratives, and engage in finding personal meaning following spousal bereavement. Finally, the research increases our knowledge and awareness of individual processes that women engage in following spousal loss. It highlights the importance of bereavement services in Counselling Psychology aimed at supporting women overcome their grief and adjust to the loss.
- Subject
- Psychotherapy and Counselling
- Extent
- 222 pages ; 30 cm
- Format
- Publisher
- Regent's University London
- degree
- PhD in Psychotherapy and Counselling
- Description
- EThOS ID: 646065
- Language
- English
- Date Issued
- 2012
- Type
- Thesis & Dissertation
- Rights Holder
- Regent's University London & Sulakshana Sritharan
- Item sets
- Theses or Dissertation