Bereavement among Adolescents with Intellectual Disability: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

The current study was conducted to explore the bereavement (experienced loss of a loved one through death within time frame of 0–3 years span). Seven adolescents (10–19 years old) with intellectual disability were included in the study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted through interview guide which was prepared with the help of Piaget’s theory of cognitive development concept related to death. Data was analyzed with content analysis and six major themes were derived, that is, meaning of death, death rituals, religious concepts related to death, reasons of death, grieving perception, and coping with grief. Mostly, concepts were explained under the light of religious preaching and their introjection in the lives of adolescents with intellectual disability. Current study helped in exploration of experiential phenomenon of loss in adolescents with intellectual disability.