What is it about?
Grief is a deeply personal experience, often marked by emotions such as sadness, anger, and longing. Bereavement groups can help people feel less alone in their grief by connecting them with others facing similar loss. During the COVID-19 pandemic, social isolation made grieving even harder. In this study, researchers explored how bereaved people experienced participating in in-person bereavement groups that had to adapt to pandemic restrictions. Eleven participants were interviewed after attending outdoor group meetings near a hospital. Many shared how isolation had intensified their grief. Yet, they found comfort in telling their stories and listening to others. Meeting in person—even outdoors and without physical contact like hugging—was seen as very important. The personality and availability of the group facilitators also played a key role in providing support.
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Why is it important?
The study shows that even in times of crisis, flexible and creative ways of offering bereavement support can still make a meaningful difference. It also highlights the need for support to be accessible, culturally sensitive, and tailored to each person’s needs.
Perspectives
As someone who has met with dying individuals and bereaved families for many years in my professional life, conducting this research was a meaningful and positive experience. I have firsthand knowledge of the challenges grieving people may face. The group leaders' creative ways of arranging meetings show that even in times of crisis, it is possible to offer meaningful support.
Ulla Näppä
Mid Sweden University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Participation in bereavement groups during societal crises: practical engagement and psychological experiences, International Journal of Palliative Nursing, August 2025, Mark Allen Group,
DOI: 10.12968/ijpn.2024.0006.
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