Lived experience and the dual process model of coping with bereavement: A participatory research study

Lene Holm Larsen*, Lisbeth Hybholt, Maja O’Connor

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

Abstract

The Dual Process Model of Coping with Bereavement (DPM) proposes that there is an adaptive oscillation between loss-oriented (LO) and restorative-oriented (RO) coping processes. Empirical data supports these processes, but the oscillation process is not well-understood. This study explored the correspondence between the DPM and lived experience of bereaved people, with an additional investigation of perceived changes in grief over time. Using a cooperative inquiry inspired participatory research design, nine bereaved adults and three researchers met nine times to discuss experiences of grief. Knowledge production took place through ongoing sharing, exploration, and reflection upon personal experiences and grief theory. Support was found for the LO and RO processes, but they were perceived to overlap. Support was also found for the oscillation process, which was found to hold learning properties. Time off from grief was not supported. Perspectives on how and why grief experiences change over time emerged, emphasizing the importance of acceptance, learning, time, and contextual factors.

Original languageEnglish
JournalDeath Studies
ISSN0748-1187
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - Jun 2024

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2024 The Author(s). Published with license by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Lived experience and the dual process model of coping with bereavement: A participatory research study'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this