An investigation into peoples' attitudes after the death of a first degree relative
Authors
O'Brien, Eloise
Issue Date
2012
Degree
BA (Hons) in Psychology
Publisher
Dublin Business School
Rights holder
Rights
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Abstract
Bereavement is a universal experience, everyone loses someone at some stage in their lifetime. However, responses to these extreme life events can vary greatly in severity and length. This study compared groups of people who lost a child, a spouse, a sibling or a parent against non-bereaved individuals. It also compared if they did not reminisce or accept the past experience and they’re consequent attitudes towards life. The study was conducted using the Accepting the past/Reminiscing about the past questionnaire and the Becks Hopelessness Scale. The study found that those who had lost a child had more negative attitudes towards life, compared to the other groups. It was also found that there was no significance between those who didn’t accept/reminisce and they’re negative attitudes towards life .The study also found no difference in attitudes between those who underwent counseling and those who didn’t.