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Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Thanatology

Background:

  • The concept of identity is dynamic and continues to evolve even after an individual's death.
  • Postmortem identity is influenced by external factors such as new information and societal shifts.
  • Understanding postmortem identity is crucial for comprehending bereavement processes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and analyze the concept of postmortem identity.
  • To explore the relationship between postmortem identity and relational trauma.
  • To examine how changes in postmortem identity affect bereavement.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of psychological and sociological concepts.
  • Conceptual analysis of identity formation and transformation.
  • Exploration of the impact of social and informational changes on posthumous perceptions.

Main Results:

  • Identity is not fixed and can be modified posthumously.
  • Postmortem identity changes are linked to relational trauma.
  • Modifications in postmortem identity influence the trajectory of complicated grief.

Conclusions:

  • Postmortem identity is a malleable construct.
  • The evolving nature of postmortem identity has significant implications for understanding and addressing complicated bereavement.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms linking postmortem identity shifts to bereavement outcomes.