Grief after the death of a close relative: a study of associated factors and perceptions of bereavement support

While experiencing grief following the death of a close relative is a universal experience, the grieving process and the perceived value of bereavement support vary between individuals. While research suggests that most grief reactions are considered normal and diminish over time, some individuals experience prolonged or complicated grief. Knowledge regarding which factors are associated with grief and how bereavement support is perceived by bereaved individuals is limited.

This study aimed to explore factors associated with grief reactions after the death of a close relative and to describe how bereavement support was perceived by bereaved individuals.

A quantitative cross-sectional design, including qualitative analysis of written comments was employed. The study's population was made up of 75 bereaved relatives of patients cared for by a palliative care team based in rural Northern Sweden (response rate 60%). Participants completed the Traumatic Grief Inventory Self-Report Plus (TGI-SR+, Swedish version). Statistical analyses included independent t-tests and analysis of variance (ANOVA). The qualitative component consisted of 51 written comments analysed using inductive manifest content analysis.

Participants whose loss had occurred within the previous 12 months had significantly higher grief scores than those who had been bereaved for up to 2 years earlier. Overall, grief diminished over time, and only one item - longing and yearning for the deceased - reached pathological levels among those bereaved for less than 12 months. The qualitative findings revealed an overarching theme: the art of surviving. Participants described organised bereavement groups, professional listeners, family, friends, and even financial backing as meaningful forms of support. Some reported having no need for formal support, while a few found that talking about the loss increased their distress.

Grief generally decreases over time, and no demographic factors are identified as reducing grief. Bereavement support does not necessarily need to be professional; informal and individual coping strategies may be equally important. Health care professionals should be educated to identify individuals in need of support and to provide person-centred bereavement care.