Emotional Experiences in Grief Over Time and Impact on Existential Dimensions of Life: A Cross-Sectional Study

BackgroundGrief following the death of a significant other encompasses physical, emotional, cognitive, social, and existential dimensions. Emotions and their expressions serve important adaptive functions and may influence individuals' existential perspectives on life.ObjectiveTo examine emotional experiences over time in the bereavement process and to investigate in what ways bereavement impact grief on existential dimensions of life.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted using a web-based questionnaire. A total of 255 bereaved individuals in western Sweden participated, recruited through a bereavement support association and a pensioners' association. Data included self-reported emotions experienced during the past week and perceived changes in existential domains such as meaningfulness, hope, and sense of belonging.ResultsParticipants reported a wide range of negative and positive emotions including sadness, emptiness, sorrow, and melancholy, while positive emotions such as joy, hope, and peace were also present. Emotional patterns were comparable across time since loss, although frequencies declined over time. Unexpected death was associated with higher frequencies of several emotions. Gender differences were observed, particularly in guilt and shame. Participants also reported changes in existential dimensions, including increased meaningfulness, capacity for compassion, and sense of belonging. Emotional expression varies across cultures due to differing norms.ConclusionsGrief involves emotional and existential responses that persist over time. The findings support individualized, non-linear perspectives on grief and indicate that bereavement may impact existential dimensions. Bereavement support may need to be tailored to the circumstances of the death and to individual emotional and existential responses.