Learning About Grief Triggers Through an Exploratory-Descriptive Study

Abstract

A qualitative study was undertaken to identify what triggers grief in the first two years following the death of a beloved family member, determine how often triggered grief occurs, and gain lived insight into what can be done (if anything) to manage triggers and also triggered grief. Four themes highlighting an uncertain process associated with grief triggers were identified: (a) my whole life was grief, (b) frequently hit by “hard-grief” triggers, (c) reaching a balance with grief and grief triggers to absorb the losses and reshape life, and (d) shifting to good and welcome memories, triggers that keep the person alive. These themes are described, with quotes illustrating their relevance for advising bereaved people about the grief triggers they may encounter. This evidence adds to a limited body of evidence on grief triggers and offers new insights for developments in grief theory and bereavement programs or services.