Navigating the Ambiguous Loss and Frozen Time of the Kidnappees' Families and Their Helpers.
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| Title: | Navigating the Ambiguous Loss and Frozen Time of the Kidnappees' Families and Their Helpers. |
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| Authors: | Paryente, Bilha (AUTHOR), Ben-Asher, Smadar (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | Journal of Loss & Trauma. Mar/Apr2026, Vol. 31 Issue 3/4, p368-389. 22p. |
| Subjects: | Families & psychology, Kidnapping, Hostages, Patients' families, Medical personnel, Qualitative research, Public officers, Psychological burnout, Interviewing, Psychological adaptation, Uncertainty, Decision making, Emotional trauma, Thematic analysis, Research methodology, Despair, Psychological stress, Psychology of caregivers, Grief, Social support, Hope |
| Geographic Terms: | Israel |
| Abstract: | The study examined the struggles of the kidnappees' families and their helpers through two theoretical concepts: ambiguous loss and frozen time. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with three key groups: family members of hostages (n = 5), professional caregivers (n = 2), and former diplomats (n = 3) who assisted the families in establishing international connections to facilitate the kidnappees' release. Our findings revealed three overlapping temporal dimensions: Parallel Time (simultaneous hope and despair), Presumed Dead Time (gradual acceptance of possible death), and Perpetual Time (endless uncertainty). We introduced the concepts of "stolen time" (irretrievable lost moments) and "frozen time" (psychological immobilization), and documented a significant ripple effect, where families' temporal distress extended outward to affect supporting professionals and systems. This research advances theoretical understanding of ambiguous loss as not merely an individual experience but a dynamic, socially-embedded phenomenon that disrupts temporal perception in multiple circles of proximity. The study has implications for professional training, institutional support systems, and policy development for service providers working with families experiencing unresolved trauma and loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
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| Abstract: | The study examined the struggles of the kidnappees' families and their helpers through two theoretical concepts: ambiguous loss and frozen time. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with three key groups: family members of hostages (n = 5), professional caregivers (n = 2), and former diplomats (n = 3) who assisted the families in establishing international connections to facilitate the kidnappees' release. Our findings revealed three overlapping temporal dimensions: Parallel Time (simultaneous hope and despair), Presumed Dead Time (gradual acceptance of possible death), and Perpetual Time (endless uncertainty). We introduced the concepts of "stolen time" (irretrievable lost moments) and "frozen time" (psychological immobilization), and documented a significant ripple effect, where families' temporal distress extended outward to affect supporting professionals and systems. This research advances theoretical understanding of ambiguous loss as not merely an individual experience but a dynamic, socially-embedded phenomenon that disrupts temporal perception in multiple circles of proximity. The study has implications for professional training, institutional support systems, and policy development for service providers working with families experiencing unresolved trauma and loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 15325024 |
| DOI: | 10.1080/15325024.2025.2522699 |
