Waiting between war and loss: a qualitative study on the experience of ambiguous loss among Syrian refugees

Ambiguous loss refers to individuals' lack of knowledge about the whereabouts or fate of loved ones due to traumatic events such as war or natural disasters. It is associated with significant economic, social, and psychological consequences, including grief, depression, and identity confusion.

We examined the psychological impact of ambiguous loss among 15 refugees displaced by the Syrian civil war. Participants (22 -53 years old; 9 women, 6 men) had experienced the disappearance or prolonged uncertainty regarding the fate of their spouse, child, sibling, or relative and had lived with uncertainty regarding the fate of their loved one for 4 to 13 years (in some cases, the uncertainty resolved after the interviews). We collected the data through semi-structured interviews and analyzed them using inductive thematic analysis.

Findings revealed emotional oscillation between hope and hopelessness, social isolation, and difficulties adapting to changing roles. Although beliefs and collective rituals served as coping resources, inadequate support and stigma intensified distress.

The results indicate that ambiguous loss is embedded in sociocultural contexts and underscore the need for culturally sensitive, family- and community-based psychosocial interventions and supportive national policies.