Death StudiesPub Date : 2025-09-16DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2025.2559720
Mohammad Kalthom, Amir Ghamarani
{"title":"Colors of grief: Art for exploring emotions in Syrian adolescents after war loss.","authors":"Mohammad Kalthom, Amir Ghamarani","doi":"10.1080/07481187.2025.2559720","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/07481187.2025.2559720","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The Syrian war has profoundly affected its population, leaving countless families grappling with the trauma of losing loved ones. Adolescents, in particular, face heightened vulnerability due to their developmental stage and the challenges of processing grief. This study examines adolescents aged 12-17 from the medical support center in Salamiyah who have experienced the loss of a family member due to the war. Using Kramer's Art Therapy theory and a phenomenological approach, the research explores how these adolescents navigate grief. Key themes emerged, including \"trauma within a trauma,\" with sub-themes of bereavement, loneliness, and loss of a sense of safety. The findings show the potential role of art therapy as a safe, nonverbal platform for emotional expression and exploration, highlighting its potential to promote healing and resilience within war-affected communities.</p>","PeriodicalId":11041,"journal":{"name":"Death Studies","volume":" ","pages":"1-11"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145074305","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Death StudiesPub Date : 2025-09-16DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2025.2559726
Saeed Esmailnia, Sara Albuquerque, Alexandra Coelho
{"title":"Developing a scale to measure social dynamics in funeral ceremonies: A mixed methods approach.","authors":"Saeed Esmailnia, Sara Albuquerque, Alexandra Coelho","doi":"10.1080/07481187.2025.2559726","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/07481187.2025.2559726","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Understanding the complex social behaviors exhibited during funeral ceremonies is essential for grasping the emotional and communal functions of grief rituals. The research employed a sequential exploratory mixed methods study approach. In the qualitative phase, we examined participants' behaviors in funeral ceremonies using ethnographic methods. Data collection involved participant observation and interviews (N = 21), analyzed using ATLAS.ti software. Through thematic analysis, we identified six components - sympathizers, empathizers, altruistic, spectators (indifferent), exchangers, and selfish individuals - categorized into two overarching groups: importance-givers and reluctant individuals. In the quantitative phase, the Funeral Participation Behavior Scale was developed, and we assessed the impact of qualitative phase variables using confirmatory factor analysis in SMART-PLS software (N = 381). Validity was confirmed through face, content, and structural validity, and reliability was established through factor loadings, Cronbach's alpha, and composite reliability. The FPBS offers a reliable framework for studying funeral practices and behaviors.</p>","PeriodicalId":11041,"journal":{"name":"Death Studies","volume":" ","pages":"1-22"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145074320","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Death StudiesPub Date : 2025-09-16DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2025.2561079
Hoang Le, Ningning Zhou, John Ogrodniczuk, Clare Killikelly
{"title":"Mourning rituals impact grief outcomes in East and Southeast Asia: A mixed-methods review.","authors":"Hoang Le, Ningning Zhou, John Ogrodniczuk, Clare Killikelly","doi":"10.1080/07481187.2025.2561079","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/07481187.2025.2561079","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Grief expression and coping mechanisms following death vary across cultures, with East and Southeast Asian societies particularly emphasizing cultural practices and rituals. This review investigates the role of mourning rituals in bereavement in these regions. We reviewed literature across PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science databases, finding 10 studies reporting post-funeral rituals and grief outcomes in East and Southeast Asia. We categorize four central themes in which rituals aid post-loss adjustment: (1) death as a private matter, (2) the importance of family support, (3) mourning as an expression of filial piety, and (4) continuing bonds with the deceased. The review suggests that these rituals serve as an important tool for recovery, offering support during the mourning process and helping individuals adjust in the long term. Mental health professionals should consider these cultural practices when supporting grieving clients.</p>","PeriodicalId":11041,"journal":{"name":"Death Studies","volume":" ","pages":"1-12"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145074579","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Death StudiesPub Date : 2025-09-16DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2025.2561078
Juan José Mora-Ascó, María José Beneyto-Arrojo, Xavier Sebastián Sanz-Sendra, Carmen Moret-Tatay, María José Jorques-Infante, Blanca Gallego-Hernández de Tejada
{"title":"Mediating role of Meaning in Life between Perceived Burdensomeness, Thwarted Belongingness and Suicidal Ideation in Spanish patients with chronic pain.","authors":"Juan José Mora-Ascó, María José Beneyto-Arrojo, Xavier Sebastián Sanz-Sendra, Carmen Moret-Tatay, María José Jorques-Infante, Blanca Gallego-Hernández de Tejada","doi":"10.1080/07481187.2025.2561078","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/07481187.2025.2561078","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study examines Suicidal Ideation in individuals living with chronic pain, focusing on the contribution of variables from the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide and the potential mediating role of Meaning in Life. The sample consisted of 251 adults residing in Spain who completed the Purpose in Life Test, the Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire, and the Suicidal Ideation Scale. The results revealed a significant positive association between Perceived Burdensomeness and Suicidal Ideation, as well as a significant negative association between Perceived Burdensomeness and Meaning in Life. Thwarted Belongingness showed no significant relationship with either Suicidal Ideation or Meaning in Life. Mediation analyses indicated that Meaning in Life partially mediated the relationship between Perceived Burdensomeness and Suicidal Ideation, but not between Thwarted Belongingness and Suicidal Ideation. These findings highlight the relevance of Perceived Burdensomeness as a risk factor and suggest the protective value of Meaning in Life in individuals with chronic pain.</p>","PeriodicalId":11041,"journal":{"name":"Death Studies","volume":" ","pages":"1-11"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145074509","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Death StudiesPub Date : 2025-09-15DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2025.2559730
Jokūbas Gužas, Paulius Skruibis
{"title":"Understanding suicidal ideation among non-heterosexual students: A network analysis of the minority stress and integrated motivational-volitional models.","authors":"Jokūbas Gužas, Paulius Skruibis","doi":"10.1080/07481187.2025.2559730","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/07481187.2025.2559730","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This cross-sectional study examined relationships between constructs from the Minority stress model and the Integrated motivational-volitional (IMV) model in relation to suicidal ideation among 452 non-heterosexual university students in Lithuania. Participants completed instruments assessing minority-related stressors, IMV constructs, and suicidal ideation over the past month. Network analysis showed that entrapment and perceived burdensomeness were directly linked to suicidal ideation, whereas minority stressors were indirectly related via IMV constructs, with generally weak associations. Expected influence centrality highlighted acceptance concerns, family support, and thwarted belongingness as key nodes, while bridge expected influence identified family support and perceived burdensomeness as primary connectors between models. These findings suggest that intervention efforts may benefit from targeting IMV-related variables, while prevention strategies should address minority stressors. The results offer practical directions for suicide prevention and intervention among non-heterosexual young adults, particularly within higher education contexts.</p>","PeriodicalId":11041,"journal":{"name":"Death Studies","volume":" ","pages":"1-14"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145069305","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Death StudiesPub Date : 2025-09-15DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2025.2559722
Merve Deniz Pak Güre, Meliha Funda Afyonoğlu
{"title":"Ambiguous loss and search for loved ones after the 2023 Türkiye earthquake: A socio-political perspective.","authors":"Merve Deniz Pak Güre, Meliha Funda Afyonoğlu","doi":"10.1080/07481187.2025.2559722","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/07481187.2025.2559722","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study explores the socio-political grounding of ambiguous loss through newspaper reports on individuals searching for relatives after the 2023 Türkiye earthquake. Data comprises 505 news articles analyzed via deductive thematic analysis iln MAXQDA 2024. Three themes emerged: \"socio-political context of the determination of the experience of ambiguous loss\", \"Search strategies in a socio-political context\", and \"Legal endings and demands\". Findings reveal that ambiguous loss and related emotions, often seen as psychological, are shaped by institutional relationships with hospitals and police, highlighting their socio-political nature. Similarly, legal systems play a central role in defining \"missing persons\" and regulating access to legal mechanisms. The demands for DNA matching, research commissions, and rubble searches emphasize institutional intervention's necessity. Recommendations include developing measures for disaster-related missing persons, creating community-based interventions, and providing psychosocial support addressing disaster experiences and ambiguous loss.</p>","PeriodicalId":11041,"journal":{"name":"Death Studies","volume":" ","pages":"1-14"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145063745","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Death StudiesPub Date : 2025-09-15DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2025.2559723
Enya Redican, Mark Shevlin, Thanos Karatzias, Philip Hyland
{"title":"Assessing peri-loss emotions and their associations with ICD-11 prolonged grief disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder in a community sample of bereaved adults.","authors":"Enya Redican, Mark Shevlin, Thanos Karatzias, Philip Hyland","doi":"10.1080/07481187.2025.2559723","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/07481187.2025.2559723","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Previous studies have examined risk factors for ICD-11 Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) but the variation and levels of peri-loss emotional reactions (those occurring during or immediately after the loss), and their association with grief related distress, has received little attention. This study is the first to assess retrospectively reported peri-loss emotional responses and their associations with ICD-11 PGD and PTSD in a large, bereaved adult sample (<i>N =</i> 1170). Peri-loss emotional responses varied widely, with sadness and shock most strongly experienced. Females and those who lost a child, sibling, spouse, or friend reported the most intense emotions. Peri-loss fear was the strongest predictor of PGD and PTSD symptom severity and probable diagnostic status. After accounting for peri-loss emotions, relationship to the deceased was not associated with probable PGD or PTSD. These new findings highlight how peri-loss emotional reactions can contribute to encouraging or discouraging the development of PGD and PTSD.</p>","PeriodicalId":11041,"journal":{"name":"Death Studies","volume":" ","pages":"1-11"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145063730","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Death StudiesPub Date : 2025-09-13DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2025.2559733
Michal Mahat-Shamir, Limor Zaks Zitronblat, Ron Dar, Ronit D Leichtentritt
{"title":"Parts that hold one together: Compartmentalization as resilience in body handling.","authors":"Michal Mahat-Shamir, Limor Zaks Zitronblat, Ron Dar, Ronit D Leichtentritt","doi":"10.1080/07481187.2025.2559733","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/07481187.2025.2559733","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Exposure to dead bodies is widely recognized as a profoundly traumatic experience that is frequently linked to elevated levels of psychological distress. This study aimed to explore the strategies implemented by body handlers to preserve their psychological well-being while fulfilling their duties. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 Israeli reservist soldiers called up to duty to handle human remains following the October 7, 2023, Hamas terror attack. An interpretative phenomenological analysis of their narratives revealed three interrelated forms of compartmentalization: the self, the deceased, and the event narrative. Rather than indicating psychological dysfunction, these forms of compartmentalization emerged as purposeful adaptive mechanisms that enabled the participants to navigate extreme emotional strain. These findings suggest that compartmentalization functions as a structural strategy through which otherwise overwhelming experiences become psychologically manageable. The practical implications for mental health professionals working in similar populations are discussed.</p>","PeriodicalId":11041,"journal":{"name":"Death Studies","volume":" ","pages":"1-11"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145052093","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Death StudiesPub Date : 2025-09-13DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2025.2556118
Emma Acford, Alice Welham, Sarah Gunn
{"title":"Attitudes of clinical psychologists and medical doctors to assisted dying in the UK: A mixed-methods survey.","authors":"Emma Acford, Alice Welham, Sarah Gunn","doi":"10.1080/07481187.2025.2556118","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/07481187.2025.2556118","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>If assisted dying (AD) were legalized in the UK, clinical psychologists (CPs) and medical doctors would very likely be involved in its processes. However, evidence around these professional groups' attitudes to AD is limited. To understand attitudes of UK-based CPs and medical doctors to AD, 347 CPs (<i>n</i> = 292) and medical doctors (<i>n</i> = 55) completed a survey on AD attitudes, psychological wellbeing, psychological flexibility and demographics, with additional open questions. CPs held significantly more favorable attitudes toward AD than doctors. A regression model for CP data including age, years qualified, psychological wellbeing, psychological flexibility, sex, religiosity and ethnicity significantly predicted AD attitudes. Thematic analysis of open questions developed five themes: conceptualizing AD; navigating eligibility and access; risk and regulation; societal reform and infrastructure; and professional roles and dilemmas. These findings emphasize key variables in supporting CPs and doctors to potentially work around AD, highlighting needs for informed discussions and robust support systems.</p>","PeriodicalId":11041,"journal":{"name":"Death Studies","volume":" ","pages":"1-13"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145052150","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Death StudiesPub Date : 2025-09-12DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2025.2559721
Elisa Salido-Santos, Francisco J Sanmartín, Judith Velasco
{"title":"Police officers' experiences of posttraumatic stress and loss after a colleague's suicide: A qualitative study.","authors":"Elisa Salido-Santos, Francisco J Sanmartín, Judith Velasco","doi":"10.1080/07481187.2025.2559721","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/07481187.2025.2559721","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Police officers are regularly exposed to traumatic events, yet the psychological impact of a colleague's suicide remains underexplored. This qualitative study examines the experiences of ten officers present during a colleague's suicide at a police station in Córdoba, Spain. Using a constructivist framework, semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis were employed to explore psychological responses and coping strategies. Two main themes emerged: posttraumatic stress symptoms and mediating factors in trauma impact. Officers reported intrusive memories, avoidance, and sleep disturbances, especially among those with direct exposure. While most experienced symptom reduction, distress persisted two years post-incident. Coping strategies included meaning making, emotional distancing, and peer-based support, often in the absence of formal psychological care. Age, experience, and prior trauma influenced outcomes. Despite routine exposure to violence, many officers felt unprepared for the emotional toll of a colleague's suicide. The findings highlight the need for trauma-informed interventions and systemic support to promote resilience in law enforcement settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":11041,"journal":{"name":"Death Studies","volume":" ","pages":"1-14"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145052134","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}