Bereavement Research Forum
Bereavement Research Forum
Prof Hockey went on to discuss a case study – that of Mr and Mrs Devon.
She illustrated with examples Mrs Devon’s decision-making around
memorialising her father. She had decided to bury his ashes under a
birdbath in her daughter’s garden ‘he’s warm there – he had had a condition
where he was always cold’. The alternative of scattering ashes at the
garden of remembrance at the crematorium was rejected as unsuitable- ‘ he
could get blown away, onto someone’s washing….’
Mrs D’s decision served two time scales – comfort in the here and now;
(she wanted her father with her, did not want to leave him) and continuance
for the future (the ashes were in a container and could be reinterred, for
example if Mrs D’s daughter was to move house). In summary, choices
were made with reference to the bereaved person’s well-being (need to
memorialise and re-socialise) but also out of respect for the deceased. Mrs
D considered her choice as healthy, while her husband was less sure,
feeling the proximity of the ashes was ‘bringing it all back’
Prof Hockey went on to contrast the lay case study with the accounts of
professionals – acknowledging that professionals hold powerful positions to
influence disposal and ritual. Interviews with midwives and funeral directors
illustrated a number of themes. Firstly, professionals were more future
oriented, concerned with for example, parents’ future needs. Secondly,
professionals were seen to be agents of change to the system – for
example to involve parents in decision-making.
The review of case studies showed a mix of bereavement theories coming
to the surface. Mrs Devon’s actions around memorialising her father pointed
to a continuing bonds model, midwives held with a continuing bonds outlook
but also felt it was important to step back from memorialising. The funeral
directors referred to a stage model.
There were a number of questions and Prof Hockey was warmly thanked for
her contribution to the Bereavement Research Forum conference.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Six poster presentations were made to the Forum.
1 Liz Rolls – Children’s experiences of bereavement services
2 Gilliam Chowns – The pre-bereavement needs of children
3 Jan Obeydke (presenting for Andrew Hawkins)
4 Jesus – Effectiveness of primary bereavement care for widows
5 Jan Obeydeke (presenting for Andy Dunne)
6 Julie Clarke – Ways of managing ‘missingness’
Case studies
Poster sessions
