scholarly journals A Qualitative Study of Grief among Family Members of Missing Persons in Southern Sri Lanka

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amila Isuru ◽  
Padmakumara Bandumithra ◽  
Shehan Williams
Keyword(s):  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Social Issues ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Ambiguous Loss ◽  
Loved One ◽  
Close Family Member ◽  
Missing Persons ◽  
2004 Tsunami ◽  
Close Family

Abstract IntroductionThe psychological and social issues experienced by family members of missing persons are different from normal grief following the death of a loved one. The term “Ambiguous loss” describes this psychological phenomenon. “Ambiguous loss” acts as a barrier to adjusting to grief, leading to symptoms of depression and intra and interpersonal relational conflicts. An in-depth understanding of this subjective experience is important.MethodA qualitative study was conducted among close family members of persons who had gone missing during the civil conflict and the 2004 tsunami in southern Sri Lanka. Purposive and snowballing sampling methods were used to recruit the participants. In-depth interviews were recorded with the help of a semi-structured guide, after informed consent. The recordings were transcribed and thematically analyzed by three independent investigators. The investigators met to code the themes and ground them through reflexivity. The triangulation process involved cross-checking with the interviewees. ResultsTheoretical sample saturation was achieved with 24 family members of missing persons. Responders were mothers, fathers, wives, husbands, and siblings of missing individuals. Six predominant themes were identified. They lacked closure, hope, guilt, helplessness, perpetual suffering, and effects due to gender roles. ConclusionThe close family member of the missing person has prolonged vacillating grief characterized by hope, guilt, helplessness, and perpetual suffering due to lack of closure. The effects are more pronounced in women through the interplay of socio-cultural factors. The surviving loved one is ‘locked in grief’ indefinitely.

Unconfirmed death as a predictor of psychological morbidity in family members of disappeared persons

2018 ◽  
Vol 49 (16) ◽  
pp. 2764-2771
Author(s):  
Amila Isuru ◽  
S. N. Hewage ◽  
Padmakumara Bandumithra ◽  
S. S. Williams
Keyword(s):  
General Health Questionnaire ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Civil Conflict ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Psychological Morbidity ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Loved One ◽  
2004 Tsunami ◽  
The Disappeared

AbstractBackgroundThe 2004 tsunami, the civil conflict until 2009 and the youth insurrection in the late 1980s in Sri Lanka resulted in many persons being classified as ‘missing’ as they disappeared and were unaccounted for. Our aim was to compare the prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD) and prolonged grief disorder (PGD) in families of disappeared individuals, who eventually received the mortal remains and those who did not.MethodAn ethically approved cross sectional study was conducted in a purposively selected sample after informed consent. Information on the circumstances of the family member going missing was gathered. Culturally adapted versions of the General Health Questionnaire and the Beck Depression Scale were administered. Those who screened positive were assessed by a psychiatrist on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 criteria to arrive at a diagnosis.ResultsOf 391 cases of disappearances studied, MDD (17.5% v. 6%) and PGD (22% v. 7%) were significantly higher in those who did not eventually receive the mortal remains of the disappeared person. Among those who did not receive the mortal remains, being unsure whether the disappeared person was dead or alive was highly predictive of MDD and PGD. Mothers and wives, older family members and those with a family history of mental illness were more vulnerable.ConclusionsFamily members of missing individuals unsure whether their loved one was alive or dead have higher psychological morbidity in the form of MDD and PGD.

scholarly journals The Development and Psychometric Validation of a Comprehensive Measure Assessing Fear of Incompetence among Adults Who Have a Family Member with Dementia

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Ashley E. Thompson ◽  
Anca M. Miron ◽  
Jonathan M. Rogers ◽  
Rudy Rice
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Psychometric Properties ◽  
Family Member ◽  
Factor Structure ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Psychometric Validation ◽  
Temporal Consistency ◽  
Close Family Member ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Close Family

Because the interpersonal skills of individuals with dementia often decline, family members may question their own ability to interact meaningfully. These family members may experience fear of incompetence (i.e., fear of being unable to relate in a meaningful way or take care of a close family member with dementia). Thus, the goal of this research was to develop, refine, and psychometrically validate a scale (Fear of Incompetence—Dementia Scale; FOI-D) assessing fear of incompetence in the context of relationships with a close family member diagnosed with dementia. Three online studies were conducted to accomplish the primary objective. In Study One, the factor structure of the FOI-D was assessed by conducting an exploratory factor analysis using data from 710 adults who indicated having a close living family member who had been diagnosed with dementia. In Study Two, the factor structure was validated via a confirmatory factor analysis and the psychometric properties were established using data from 636 adults who had a family member with dementia. Finally, Study Three determined the temporal consistency of the scale by retesting 58 participants from Study Two. The results from Study One indicated that the FOI-D Scale accounted for 51.75% of the variance and was comprised of three subscales: the Interaction Concerns subscale, the Caregiving Concerns subscale, and the Knowledge Concerns subscale. In Study Two, the three-factor structure was supported, resulting in a 58-item scale. Investigation of the psychometric properties demonstrated the FOI-D to be reliable and valid. In Study Three, the FOI-D Scale demonstrated excellent temporal consistency. This research provides future investigators, educators, and practitioners with an adaptable comprehensive tool assessing fear of incompetence in a variety of settings.

“What made you choose blue?” On becoming more “awkward”

2014 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-9
Author(s):  
Ron Iphofen
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Personal Experience ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Progressive Dementia ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Loved One ◽  
Close Family Member ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Close Family

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to offer insights into the personal experience of dealing with the progressive dementia of a close family member. Design/methodology/approach – Selected journal/diary entries over a ten-year period. Edited and anonymised. Findings – Even informed professionals with knowledge into the health and care system can struggle with the challenges of the progressive dementia of a loved one and managing the system. Research limitations/implications – One shot case study influenced by the moral and emotional proximity. Practical implications – Case studies can offer a range of diverse, if not unique, examples of the specific needs and problems faced by families that carers should take note of. Originality/value – All case studies are unique. But narrative accounts, even if episodic, can bring home-specific illustrations of good, best and problematic practices.

scholarly journals The Endless Grief in Waiting: A Qualitative Study of the Relationship between Ambiguous Loss and Anticipatory Mourning amongst the Relatives of Missing Persons in Italy

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 110 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ines Testoni ◽  
Chiara Franco ◽  
Lorenza Palazzo ◽  
Erika Iacona ◽  
Adriano Zamperini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Ambiguous Loss ◽  
Prolonged Grief ◽  
Traumatic Grief ◽  
Missing Persons ◽  
Post Traumatic Growth ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
Anticipatory Mourning ◽  
The Relationship

This article presents the results of a qualitative study aiming to consider the relationship between ambiguous loss and anticipatory mourning amongst relatives of missing people in Italy. Eight people participated in the research, narrating their experiences of losing a beloved person (one found alive, three found dead, and four still missing). Findings suggest the presence of a particular form of ambiguous loss, characterised by traits typical of both prolonged and traumatic grief. These findings describe how families are faced with an emotional vortex related to a never-ending wait, and how the mourning is solved only when the missing person is found dead or alive. The discovery of a corpse is traumatic but it allows mourners to fully recognise their grief. When a person is found, it changes the relationship in a positive way. When neither of these events happen, mourners have two different kinds of reactions: they experience either a prolonged grief or a drive to solve their suffering by helping other people (post-traumatic growth). In this study, it is highlighted how a community can be useful or detrimental in this process, and the importance of psychological and social support to prevent significant clinical outcomes is stressed.

Posttraumatic growth after the loss of a loved one in relation to ruminations and core beliefs

Human Affairs ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 399-412
Author(s):  
Lucia Záhorcová ◽  
Andrea Prielomková
Keyword(s):  
Posttraumatic Growth ◽  
Family Member ◽  
Core Beliefs ◽  
Loved One ◽  
Sudden Loss ◽  
Close Family Member ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Close Family

AbstractThe goal of this study was to examine the relationship between posttraumatic growth, ruminations, and core beliefs in grieving individuals after the loss of a loved one. The participants were 140 bereaved individuals (122 women, 18 men; M = 38.40; SD = 13.96). The results showed that posttraumatic growth was positively related to intrusive and deliberate ruminations; however, it was positively predicted only by deliberate ruminations. Core beliefs disruption was also positively related to deliberate and intrusive ruminations, but only deliberate ruminations positively predicted core beliefs. Moreover, posttraumatic growth is positively related to grief after the loss but unrelated to the time elapsed since loss. Higher posttraumatic growth was found in individuals who had experienced a sudden loss and loss of a close family member. Overall, the study shows that deliberate ruminations, for example about the meaning of the loss and its consequences, can stimulate posttraumatic growth in bereaved individuals.

scholarly journals Self-Reported Voluntary Blame-Taking: Kinship Before Friendship and No Effect of Incentives

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Teresa Schneider ◽  
Melanie Sauerland ◽  
Harald Merckelbach ◽  
Jens Puschke ◽  
J. Christopher Cohrs
Keyword(s):  
Prosocial Behavior ◽  
Family Member ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Close Friend ◽  
Relationship Status ◽  
Close Family Member ◽  
Social Incentives ◽  
Sizable Proportion ◽  
A Minor ◽  
Close Family

Inspired by theories of prosocial behavior, we tested the effect of relationship status and incentives on intended voluntary blame-taking in two experiments (Experiment 2 was pre-registered). Participants (NE1 = 211 and NE2 = 232) imagined a close family member, a close friend, or an acquaintance and read a scenario that described this person committing a minor traffic offense. The person offered either a monetary, social, or no incentive for taking the blame. Participants indicated their willingness to take the blame and reasons for and against blame-taking. Overall, a sizable proportion of participants indicated to be willing to take the blame (E1: 57.8%; E2: 34.9%). Blame-taking rates were higher for family members than close friends or acquaintances in both experiments, as expected. Unexpectedly, there was no difference between a close friend and an acquaintance in Experiment 2. Social incentives did not have an effect on voluntary blame-taking in either experiment. Neither did we find an interaction between relationship status and incentives. The results highlight the importance of kin relationships in the context of voluntary blame-taking.

scholarly journals Buddhist Approach To The Psycho-Social Issues Relating To The Families Of Missing Persons In The Civil War In Sri Lanka (FROM 1983 - 2009)

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Janaka Mudalige ◽  
Phramahā Somboon Vuḍḍhikaro ◽  
Upali M. Sedere ◽  
Daya Edirisinghe ◽  
Iromi Ariyaratne ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Civil War ◽  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Social Issues ◽  
Missing Persons

scholarly journals Social Marketing Strategies for Stigmatized Target Populations: A Case Example for Problem Gamblers and Family Members of Problem Gamblers

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kimberly Calderwood ◽  
William Wellington
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Social Marketing ◽  
Social Issues ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Theory Development ◽  
Research Literature ◽  
Marketing Strategies ◽  
Local Problem ◽  
Problem Gamblers ◽  
Target Populations

Advertising theory and accompanying research literature are in their infancy when it comes to advertising services to stigmatized populations. We know very little about what messages will impact potential clients of services and what messages could even be harmful to potential clients and to society’s shaping of social issues. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the views of problem gamblers and family members of problem gamblers in developing 10 foot by 20 foot billboards to promote a local problem gambling service. Participants identified issues such as photographs of money being a trigger to gamble, guilt and shame being emotions that would turn them off of the advertisement, and a fear of the advertisement leading to a scam or hoax. More research and theory development on stigmatized populations is necessary to better promote services to stigmatized populations and to avoid contributing negatively to social issues.

The psychological effects of systemic lupus erythematosus: the imitator of aging

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-45
Author(s):  
Fahri Özsungur
Keyword(s):  
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Family Member ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Psychosocial Support ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Psychological Effects ◽  
Systemic Lupus ◽  
Close Family Member ◽  
Close Family

Objectives: To assess the psychological effects of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), including perception of aging, in a cohort of participants who were either diagnosed with SLE or had an affected family member. Methods: Over a period of 1 year, we conducted once-monthly face-to-face interviews with 12 participants. The participants were from 4 related families and include 7 females and 5 males. Three participants had a confirmed diagnosis of SLE. Spouses were also included in this study to assess transitivity of the psychological signs of SLE. Responses to structured interview questions were analyzed to assess the perception of aging. Results: The major complaints in participants diagnosed with SLE were pain and psychological stress. Nephrotic syndrome, urinary tract infection, weight disorders and increased need for psychosocial support were common in the participants’ medical history. Qualitative analysis of questionnaires completed by participants with SLE revealed a correlation of “feeling old” with the non-resolution of health complaints. Family members who did not have SLE also reported “feeling old”. Complaints of stress, anxiety, nervousness and lack of enjoyment of life were common in those who were diagnosed with SLE, as well as those who were not. All spouses reported experiencing digestive disorders, hemorrhoids as well as various phobias, regardless of whether their partners had a confirmed SLE diagnosis. Conclusions: In this study, we found that participants with SLE or those who had a close family member with SLE displayed psychological signs of aging. All participants had a predisposition to anxiety, while spouses developed various phobias. Statement of novelty: We show that individuals with SLE and close family members have an increased self-perception of aging.

Perceived Changes in Life Meaning following Bereavement

1992 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 307-318 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Edmonds ◽  
Karen Hooker
Keyword(s):  
Personal Growth ◽  
Inverse Relationship ◽  
Life Goals ◽  
Life Meaning ◽  
Loved One ◽  
Existential Meaning ◽  
Close Family Member ◽  
Negative Change ◽  
Belief In God ◽  
Close Family

Much research has documented the negative sequelae associated with death of a loved one. The goal of the present study was to investigate the possibility, alluded to by existential and humanistic theorists, that positive aspects of bereavement exist. College students who recently experienced the death of a close family member completed measures of grief-related distress, existential meaning, and answered open-ended questions regarding perceived changes in belief in God and life goals occurring as a result of their experience. A significant inverse relationship was found between grief and existential meaning. The majority of the sample reported a positive change in life goals, and these individuals had significantly higher existential meaning than those who reported a negative change in goals. Those who experienced change (positive or negative) in belief in God had higher levels of grief than those who reported no change. These results suggest that positive changes are associated with bereavement and that grief itself may serve as an impetus for personal growth.

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