Bereaved in Me: Understanding the Vicarious Grief Experiences Among Helping Professionals During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-13-2023
Abstract
Literature on the experience of the bereaved during the COVID-19 pandemic suggests how complicated it has been for those who lost loved ones. However; the sense of grief experienced by those who journey with them is relatively unexplored. The present study examines vicarious experiences of grief of healthcare workers; faith-based workers and mental health workers who worked with the bereaved due to COVID-19 deaths. The study was done in two phases. In the first phase; a survey showed that compared to other helping professionals; healthcare workers reported the highest levels of vicarious grief. In the second phase; in-depth interviews revealed five themes: acknowledging contexts of grief; navigating relations with the bereaved; sharing others’ grief; internalizing encounters; and negotiating challenges. Findings highlight the need for supportive interventions at the organizational level.
Recommended Citation
Sera Jose, K.M.C., Navarro, A.J., Pomida, A.N., Hechanova-Alampay, M.R. (2023). Bereaved in me: Understanding the vicarious grief experiences among helping professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic. OMEGA - Journal of Death and Dying. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1177/00302228221150870
