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McCarthy, Olivia (2025) Exploring Perceived Social Support Grief and Its Impact on Grieving Individuals. Undergraduate thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.
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Abstract
This study explored how grieving individuals perceive and experience social support following significant loss. In-depth and semi-structured interviews were undertaken with nine participants (aged 19 – 56) who had each experienced the death of a loved one. Reflexive thematic analysis, as outlined by Braun & Clarke (2006), was used to interpret the data, revealing three central themes: Social Discomfort and the Awkwardness of Grief, Inadequate Grief Support and Emotional Disconnect and Support That Heals: Connection, Compassion and Feeling Seen. Findings suggest that experiences of grief support, as perceived by bereaved individuals, are deeply influenced by societal expectations and attitudes toward grief as well as the unique needs of grieving individuals themselves. Participants described the forms of support they received while grieving, distinguishing between those that felt helpful and unhelpful, and the impact each form of support had on their grieving journeys. The findings reflect a need for more attuned and individualized bereavement support practices that respect the emotional complexity and nonlinear nature of grieving.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Undergraduate) |
|---|---|
| Supervisors: | Name Email Coughlan, Barry UNSPECIFIED |
| Subjects: | B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > Psychology B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > Psychology > Emotions R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA790 Mental Health |
| Divisions: | School of Business (- 2025) > BA (Honours) in Psychology |
| Depositing User: | Ciara O'Brien |
| Date Deposited: | 17 Nov 2025 16:21 |
| Last Modified: | 17 Nov 2025 16:21 |
| URI: | https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/8934 |
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