Can visiting the site of death be beneficial for bereaved families after terror? A qualitative study of parents' and siblings' experiences of visiting Utøya Island after the 2011 Norway terror attack. (30th November 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kristensen, Pål; Dyregrov, Kari; Dyregrov, Atle
• Is Part Of: European journal of psychotraumatology. Volume 8(2017)Supplement 6
• Publication Date: 2017-11-30
• Subjects: Terrorism -- visiting death site -- bereavement -- family -- grief -- complicated grief -- prolonged grief; terrorismo -- visitar el lugar de la muerte -- duelo -- familia -- aflicción -- duelo complicado -- duelo prolongado; 恐怖主义 -- 访问死亡地点 -- 丧亲 -- 家人 -- 悲伤 -- 复杂的悲伤 -- 延长哀伤; Visiting the site of death was associated with several benefits such as facilitating acceptance of the reality of the loss. Distressing reactions, such as intrusive thoughts and re-enactment images, were common, especially at the actual place of death. Having the opportunity for multiple visits appeared to optimize the benefits.; Post-traumatic stress disorder -- Periodicals; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Post-traumatic stress disorder; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Periodicals; Fulltext; Internet Resources; Periodicals; 616.8521
• DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2018.1463795
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2000-8198

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Background. After the 2011 terror attack on Utøya Island, a collective visit was organized for bereaved families. There is limited knowledge whether bereaved families can benefit from such visits after terror. Objective. This study aims to explore how bereaved families experienced visiting the site of death after the 2011 terror attack. Method. As part of in-depth interviews, 22 parents and 16 siblings were asked whether they had visited Utøya and, if so, how they experienced the visit. Participants' responses were analysed using thematic analysis. Results. The results showed that for the majority of the bereaved, visiting Utøya had been important in processing their loss. Three key themes emerged as to what they considered important with the visit: 'seeing the actual place of death', 'seeking factual information', and 'learning to know the island'. These factors were associated both with beneficial reactions (e.g. accepting the reality of the loss increased cognitive clarity) and with distressing reactions (e.g. intrusive thoughts, re-enactment images), but the benefits had outweighed the distress. Having the opportunity for multiple visits seemed to optimize the benefits. Conclusion. Bereaved families should be offered the opportunity to visit the site of death after terror.