Experience of Prolonged Grief: A Qualitative Inquiry into Young Widows of India

Page: 417-421
Molly U. Mundaden and Joy Tungol (The Graduate School, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines and Department of Clinical Psychology, The Graduate School, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines)

The loss of the life of a spouse is one of the most profound and life-altering occasions adults will ever experience. While the loss of a partner is aggravating at any time, the experience of spousal bereavement at a young age brings with it a unique challenge. Prolonged grief is a disturbance observed by the death of a character close to the bereaved, with chronic and pervasive grief response characterized with the aid of longing for the deceased or continual preoccupation with the deceased accompanied by severe emotional pain. This study explores qualitatively, analyses thematically, and identifies the causes and consequences of prolonged grief among young widows at Kerala Social Service Forum (KSSF) South India. The participants’ experiences and perspectives are analyzed thematically with the use of Braun and Clarke’s step-by-step method. In-depth semi-structured interviews (twenty participants) and focus group discussions (seven participants) have been held to collect an in-depth grasp of the lived experiences. The findings of this qualitative find out exhibit that the younger widows undergo thought problems (distorted cognitions, distressing thoughts), emotional problems (anxious feelings, emotional stress, depressed mood), behavioral issues (poor social behavior, meaninglessness in life, lack of dedication) Bodily problems (health-related & medical issues, financial issues, & household problems). The researchers observed that Prolonged grief among participants is associated with low that means in life, anxiety, depression, and stress.