2006 challenging issues

Bereavement Research Forum

Challenging Issues in the Bereavement Research Process All Saints' Pastoral Centre, St. Albans 2006 Our biennial conference was once again held at All Saints' Pastoral Centre, St Albans. The theme was ‘Challenging Issues in the Bereavement Research Process.’ Initially we thought we may have to cancel it due to poor uptake, but fortunately sufficient enrolled eventually to make it viable. Professor Sheila Payne began the conference by considering how researchers might get started, covering study design, seeking funding, preparing a proposal and starting small, and working up. We are grateful to those who presented posters on the first evening on their recent work. These were well received, interesting and informative. DrJane Ribbens- McCarthy started the second day by explaining the research process of conducting her literature review- based study on young people’s experience of bereavement. She explained the background to the project, the nature of a literature review, the place of power and powerlessness and issues raised for the review process. The evaluations demonstrated that many found this a most useful presentation. BRF is blessed with having experienced researchers on the committee who were prepared to present. These include: Dr Gillian Chowns who spoke eloquently and honestly about ethical issues in theory and practice, using her own study of researching the experience of living with the life- threatening illness of a parent. This raised many questions for the participants and was very well rated. Liz Rolls (vice chair) aided by our president Dr Marilyn Relf, discussed the important issue of how we keep ourselves safe when conducting bereavement research: what we need to be aware of and how we might manage the difficulties. Again this was a useful and interesting presentation. Our final presentation was by Professor Sheila Payne who looked at how sense could be made of any collected data. She discussed discourse analysis and grounded theory, reminding us that analysis takes time, effort and imagination, involving reflexivity and critical questioning. The conference ended with a panel discussion on how research findings can be disseminated.

Friday 17th November