"I grieve because I loved her:" Bereaved parents' perceptions of a mindfulness-based retreat. Issue 8 (14th September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Thieleman, Kara; Cacciatore, Joanne
• Is Part Of: Death studies. Volume 46:Issue 8(2022)
• Page Start: 1992
• Page End: 2002
• Publication Date: 2022-09-14
• Subjects: Death -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Terminal care -- Periodicals; Death -- Moral and ethical aspects -- Periodicals; 306.9
• DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2021.1876791
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0748-1187

Abstract

Abstract: Mindfulness-based interventions have recently been applied to grief-related distress. However, little is known about how bereaved participants experience them. This study explored bereaved parents' experiences of a mindfulness-based grief retreat through semi-structured interviews with 19 participants. Interview transcripts were thematically analyzed to gain an understanding of how participants experienced the retreat and its perceived effect on their lives. Four themes representing the perceived benefits of the retreat emerged: psychoeducation, mindfulness, mutual support and understanding, and relationships. The mindfulness-based retreat was generally experienced as beneficial in coping with the death of a child.