Psychological support for men who have experienced sudden bereavement.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Life after Death: An interpretative phenomenological study of men who have experienced a sudden bereavement.
IRAS ID
225967
Contact name
Emily Finney
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Wolverhampton University
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 1 days
Research summary
Neither the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) or British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) offer any definitive guidelines for engaging in therapy with those who have experienced a sudden bereavement, sometimes termed ‘traumatic’ bereavement. There is an acknowledgement that sudden and unexpected bereavement can contribute to the development of psychological distress including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) (Van De Kolk et al. 1994), grief disorders (Horowitz et al. 2003) and increase morbidity. Research exists regarding the impact of sudden bereavements (Murray Parkes, 1964; Paidoussis, 2010) however there is a lack of knowledge regarding experiences of suddenly bereaved men.
This study aims to gain insight into the lived experience of men who have experienced a sudden bereavement, and its perceived impact on the individual’s life, including their perceptions of required care and support, the nature of any supportive care received and the helpfulness of interventions in relation to their experience. This insight into men’s experience will provide an evidence-base for psychological practice and inform psychological care and support for men who have been suddenly bereaved.
Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) is the chosen methodology for this study. 5-6 male participants of 18 years of age or older, who have experienced a sudden bereavement will be recruited. Recruitment packs will be sent to eligible individuals, for voluntary response from participants. Up to 18 participants will be invited in order to meet the recruitment target.
A semi-structured interview method using a topic guide method will be used. Interviews (maximum of two hours) will be conducted face-to-face or via telephone according to the participants’ choice and will be held in a mutually agreed location or using a university telephone line. This study is self-funded by the researcher. Interview data will be analysed using Nvivo 10.REC name
West Midlands - Black Country Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/WM/0442
Date of REC Opinion
12 Mar 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion