The Experience of Chinese Bereaved Persons: A Preliminary Study of Meaning Making and Continuing Bonds

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Bibliographic Details
Title: The Experience of Chinese Bereaved Persons: A Preliminary Study of Meaning Making and Continuing Bonds
Language: English
Authors: Chan, Cecilia L. W., Chow, Amy Y. M., Ho, Samuel M. Y., Tsui, Yenny K. Y., Tin, Agnes F., Koo, Brenda W. K., Koo, Elaine W. K.
Source: Death Studies. Dec 2005 29(10):923-947.
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Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 25
Publication Date: 2005
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Evaluative
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Asian Culture, Death, Grief, Counseling, Interviews, Cultural Traits, Intervention
Geographic Terms: Hong Kong
ISSN: 0748-1187
Abstract: This study explores the bereavement process of Chinese persons in Hong Kong, with the focus on how they make meaning of the death as well as how they maintain a bond with the deceased. A review of video- and audiotapes of 52 bereaved persons in bereavement counseling pointed to how these concepts are reflected in key themes that appeared throughout these interviews. The way this bereaved population found meaning in the death was reflected in how they understood the cause of death, their observations at the death moment, their understanding of the life of the deceased after the death, the life of the bereaved after the death, and the burial and mourning rituals that were followed. The continuing bond the bereaved felt with the deceased was experienced by the bereaved as either initiated by the deceased, for example by the deceased appearing in dreams or initiated by the bereaved themselves in their talking with the deceased. These 2 aspects of the bereavement process seem to be similar to those found in other societies, but the ways in which they were manifested were unique to the Chinese culture. Based on these findings, the authors conclude with implications for intervention with this bereaved population.
Abstractor: Author
Number of References: 34
Entry Date: 2005
Access URL: https://taylorandfrancis.metapress.com/link.asp?target=contribution&id=T3747460735X40V2
Accession Number: EJ721465
Database: ERIC
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Abstract:This study explores the bereavement process of Chinese persons in Hong Kong, with the focus on how they make meaning of the death as well as how they maintain a bond with the deceased. A review of video- and audiotapes of 52 bereaved persons in bereavement counseling pointed to how these concepts are reflected in key themes that appeared throughout these interviews. The way this bereaved population found meaning in the death was reflected in how they understood the cause of death, their observations at the death moment, their understanding of the life of the deceased after the death, the life of the bereaved after the death, and the burial and mourning rituals that were followed. The continuing bond the bereaved felt with the deceased was experienced by the bereaved as either initiated by the deceased, for example by the deceased appearing in dreams or initiated by the bereaved themselves in their talking with the deceased. These 2 aspects of the bereavement process seem to be similar to those found in other societies, but the ways in which they were manifested were unique to the Chinese culture. Based on these findings, the authors conclude with implications for intervention with this bereaved population.
ISSN:0748-1187