Terminality, death and grief in the covid-19 pandemic: Emerging psychological demands and practical implications

Abstract

The disease caused by the new coronavirus (COVID-19) has been regarded as a serious crisis from both an epidemiological and a psychological point of view. In addition to the mass loss of life in a short space of time, the difficulties involved in the performance of farewell rituals between people on the verge of death and their families, not to mention funeral rituals, may exacerbate the grieving experience. The aim of this study is to systematize knowledge about the processes of terminality, death and grief in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through narrative review of the literature, experiences reported in different countries during the pandemic were summarized. Characteristics of the emerging psychological demands and implications for the psychologist’s professional practice are presented. Considering that expressions of affection, condolence and spirituality undergo changes in this scenario, the importance of enhancing alternative and respectful ways to ritualize the processes experienced is discussed, which appears to be essential for the reframing of loss and to face the challenges presented during and after the pandemic.