Fighting for Connection: A Socially Distanced Grief Experience

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore people’s experiences with grief and loss during the COVID-19 pandemic and how they may have been impacted by public health restrictions. Restrictions on social gatherings were in place during highly sensitive and emotional times including visitation of dying loved ones admitted to hospital and impacted funeral arrangements as well. This study was conducted using a grounded theory approach to identity strategies that participants used to navigate grief and loss in the context of such restrictions. From the findings, a core category emerged Fighting for Connection which represents an ongoing “fight” to maintain and/or regain connection with dying loved ones using five specific strategies. The long-term impacts of socially distanced grief are unknown and cannot be fully appreciated at this time. These findings may be significant to healthcare professionals who offer bereavement support to individuals experiencing complicated and/or unresolved grief.