The study used a narrative inquiry approach, conducting a series of in-depth interviews in which participants narrated their felt experiences of bereavement and the approaches that helped them.
The project brought together a diverse group of participants, many of whom were, or had recently been, Cruse Scotland clients. Each had a unique experience of loss, and their own approach to how they navigated their grief.
The 12 detailed and individual stories were analysed for key themes and messages. This resulted in a set of 10 insights into journeys of grief which can be used to inform individual practice, the training and support of practitioners, and the provision of bereavement services.
Insights for Cruse Scotland
1. Foster Open Communication
Encouraging open communication about death and grief continues to be crucial, especially in cultures or families where discussing feelings is less common. Bereaved people need and want opportunities to express anger, guilt, fear, horror, sadness, joy, and more, verbally and nonverbally.
2. Facilitate Connection and Witnessing
Connecting with others who are experiencing bereavement can be profoundly helpful. Participants spoke about how important it was to talk about their grief amongst other people who have lived experience of bereavement.
Structured group sessions, such as the ones offered by Cruse Scotland, were highly valued. They provided a safe space for sharing experiences, learning about grief, and connecting with others.
Participants benefited from both the psychoeducational components and the opportunities for relational engagement.
3. Acknowledge the Individuality of Grief
Grief is a deeply personal and multifaceted experience that varies widely among individuals. The participants’ stories challenged preconceived models that suggest there is a generalisable understanding of grief.
They suggest that each person’s journey through grief is unique, shaped by their relationship with the deceased, their gender, location, cultural scripts for grieving, and their own stories.
4. Recognise Masculinity and Grief
Concepts of masculinity play a significant role in shaping how men experience and express grief, where internalised expectations of ‘being a man’ can lead to suppressed emotions or delayed grieving.
Practitioners can create safe spaces for men to express their emotions and challenge societal norms that often discourage vulnerability.
5. Support Embodied Grieving
Grief is not solely an emotional or mental process; it is also felt in the body and can manifest in unexpected ways, including physical symptoms.
Participants described physical manifestations of grief, such as pain, numbness, and changes in physical habits like appetite and sleep.
It can be helpful to incorporate physical activities, such as walking or exercise, into grief support programmes to help individuals process their emotions through their bodies.
6. Address Cultural and Social Contexts
Culture significantly influences how grief is experienced and processed. For individuals who are grieving a loss elsewhere, including abroad, the inability to participate in cultural grief rituals can lead to feelings of isolation.
Practitioners should be sensitive to cultural differences and provide support that acknowledges these unique challenges.
7. Allow for the Taboo of Financial Strain
The financial cost of caring for loved ones and arranging funerals is often a hidden aspect of grief.
Practitioners could explore this area of grief more openly, and services could create safe spaces for individuals to discuss financial concerns and provide resources or referrals to help alleviate these burdens.
8. Reflect on the Timing of Counselling
The participants' stories suggest that the first six months of bereavement were a challenge for most individuals.
Many saw this as part of the ‘natural’ grieving process, something that no preparation or intervention could help, but the stories also suggest that they often needed some form of support.
9. Encourage Continuing Bonds
Grief can be a permanent state that shapes future identity and life experiences. Many participants found comfort in maintaining connections with their loved ones through objects, rituals, memories, and activities they used to do together.
Practitioners can help individuals explore and establish such continuing bonds.
10. Support the Redefinition of Identity
Grief often involves a redefinition of identity and purpose, as individuals navigate life without their loved ones. Finding new purpose, such as supporting others, can be a meaningful way to cope.
Practitioners can help individuals explore ways to rebuild their sense of self and purpose.
Journeys of Grief was a collaboration between Cruse Scotland and the Centre for Creative-Relational Inquiry at the University of Edinburgh. The full research report can be found here.
Rodríguez-Dorans, E., Simopoulou, Z., Nghidinwa, S., Sykes, L. (2025) Journeys of Grief. Research Report. University of Edinburgh.
