End-of-life communication and coping

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to qualitatively explore how end-of-life communication impacted participants’ perception of coping after the death of a relational partner. Two-hundred thirty-six individuals participated in an online survey with open-ended questions that asked them about the impact of EOL communication on their coping following a death. Findings indicate that EOL communication impacted participants’ coping via: belief in an afterlife (faith); closure and acceptance; reminiscence of the relationship; guidance on how to move on; and, relief that the deceased relational partner is no longer suffering or in pain. Implications, limitations, and future directions are discussed.