Quantitative and qualitative aspects of perceptions of bereavement

Preston, John Michael (1990) Quantitative and qualitative aspects of perceptions of bereavement. University of Southampton, Doctoral Thesis.

Record type: Thesis (Doctoral)

Abstract

The methodological problems of research into bereavement are described. There is evidence for increased mortality, and for physical and psychiatric morbidity, following bereavement. Some of the factors influencing the outcome of bereavement are considered. The customs relating to bereavement in several cultures are described and related to the transmission of knowledge about bereavement. A questionnaire was developed to explore the way that bereavement is perceived and the structure of knowledge about bereavement. This questionnaire was then used with a group of members of the general population, with professionals who work with the bereaved and with professionals in training. This revealed a consensual pattern of knowledge about bereavement, but one which varied according to the sex, age, marital status and bereavement experience of the respondents. Factor analysis was used to explore the structure of the perceptions. A series of semi-structured interviews with mothers who had experienced a neo-natal death, and with some of those who had supported them is described. There were a number of differences between the way that the bereaved mothers perceived their grief and the perceptions of both the general population and of the professionals. Examples of social support received by the mothers, and the perceptions of the support-givers are described. Although the qualitative data were difficult to analyse objectively, the approach provided a valuable addition to the questionnaire. Finally, a way of using qualitative data in a way that is objectively valid is described and future areas for research are outlined.

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