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Internal connections and conversations: the internalized other interview in bereavement work
1Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. njmoules@ucalgary.ca
Omega
|March 8, 2011
Summary
Grief involves maintaining connection with the deceased. The Internalized Other Interview technique actively engages the deceased
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Bereavement Studies
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Grief involves maintaining connection with deceased loved ones.
- The Internalized Other Interview (IOI) theory posits individuals internalize relational 'commentators'.
- IOI suggests these internalized figures remain active despite physical absence.
Observation:
- The active voice of deceased individuals in internal dialogue shifts to perceived inactivity post-death.
- Internalized loved ones continue to influence identity and bereavement experiences.
- Research and clinical work suggest active interviewing of the internalized deceased can be healing.
Findings:
- The study explores the Internalized Other Interview as a therapeutic intervention.
- It details the history and application of IOI in bereavement.
- A case study transcription illustrates IOI with a grieving family.
Implications:
- Actively engaging with internalized deceased figures can facilitate connection and healing in grief.
- IOI offers a novel approach to understanding and navigating bereavement.
- This method supports the bereaved in integrating the deceased's influence into their ongoing lives.
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