Grief, Traumatic Loss and Coping following Bereavement: Case Study of Women

Abstract

Loss of a loved one is a very painful and often a traumatic experience for most of the people. The burden of the loss can be carried over a life time or laid down. Grief is a profound and complex response for those who have been left behind. There found different gender reactions in grief and traumatic event. Women tend to experience more intense emotional reactions such as shock, denial, anger, depression that may linger on for quite some time, especially when they were widow and mother. Individuals grieve differently, yet coping with bereavement depends upon the personal characteristics, available support, coping mechanism, faith and self concept of sufferers. Using the case study approach, this article explores the grief, trauma (psychological response) and coping pattern among bereaved women while struggling with the loss. The cases of three Muslim women widowed during the last one year were analyzed. Findings highlight the importance of social support, religious or spiritual beliefs, traumatic growth in bereavement and coping with the loss of a family member.