"Perhaps something of beauty can grow:" experiences of care farming for grief. Issue 10 (26th November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Thieleman, Kara; Cacciatore, Joanne; Gorman, Richard
• Is Part Of: Death studies. Volume 46:Issue 10(2022)
• Page Start: 2435
• Page End: 2444
• Publication Date: 2022-11-26
• Subjects: Death -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Terminal care -- Periodicals; Death -- Moral and ethical aspects -- Periodicals; 306.9
• DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2021.1964108
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0748-1187

Abstract

Abstract: Care farming has been used to alleviate distress and increase wellbeing in various populations. This study provides an overview of how bereaved adults ( N = 115) experienced a grief-specific care farm through a content analysis of open-ended survey questions. The care farm's nature spaces and interactions with animals emerged as important components of the experience, interacting with grief-related activities and experiences. Together, the spaces and species of the care farm provided a supportive context for integrating grief, processing emotions, and receiving compassionate support. Some participants also experienced changes in how they viewed their grief and improvements in interpersonal relationships.