developing models 2

Bereavement Research Forum

The theories about separation and bereavement hold within them the assumptions of a broader framework. Prof Hockey briefly traced developments including Gorer and death as the new taboo, Freud, Bowlby, Stroebe and Schut, Walter and Klass. Theories are subtle and involved and usually not prescriptive, however from a modernist framework a bias of simple interpretation of a ‘simplistic rendering’ can mean the popularisation of aspects of a theory, for example stages of grief. The developing models of bereavement have connection to the deceased as a focus. This raises questions as to whether people always maintained connections but did not volunteer this information (contradictory as it was to the dominant view of ‘letting go’ in order to survive grief). In essence Prof Hockey concluded that the dominant model or grand theory of modernity has become vulnerable to people’s actual experiences, the ‘little narratives’. Modernity’s emphasis on control, technology and linear progression though experience has come into question and now diversity and individual difference is accepted. However, as Walter alluded to in ‘The revival of death’ we still look to theory to govern our grieving, we still seek advice and expect to resolve grief over time. Part Two of Prof Hockey’s presentation centred on a research study ‘Environments of memory: changing rituals of mourning and their implications’. The study focused on changing behaviours: for example, there are now new disposal options, in the UK the practice of removing ashes from crematoria has increased from 12% to 50% over the past 30 years. Does this represent consumer choice and do these new opportunities help in bereavement? To some extent there seems to be a shift towards continuing bonds which can be observed in informal memorials at cemeteries and through roadside memorials. Implications of changing practice and choice Professional Context A tension between supporting the bereaved person’s choice and the need to ‘do the right thing’ or worry about the bereaved’s health. Professionals describe funeral and disposal as ‘event’ Lay context Choice for individual versus the need to conform to family wishes The influence of the wishes of the deceased The costs of disposal options curtail choice Bereaved people describe funeral and disposal as memorial and ‘process’.

Prof J Hockey – Part Two