In their own words, in their own time, in their own ways: Indigenous women's experiences of loss, grief, and finding meaning through spirituality
Year: 2013
Type: dissertation
Abstract: This exploratory study sought to understand how spirituality influences the experiences of loss, grief, and finding meaning for seven Indigenous women following the death of a loved one. Writing from an Indigenous research paradigm with storytelling as the research method, five recurring themes emerged from the transcripts: 1)dreams; 2) honouring memory; 3) healing; 4) making space; 5)meaning. In addition, three central themes were present in the five themes: 1) connection; 2) relationships; 3) we are not alone. The research exposed a story within a story, as each storyteller revealed a history of trauma related to colonization, and their healing journey of coming to see, coming to know, and coming to be as Indigenous women. The study found that spirituality positively influenced the experiences of loss, grief, and finding meaning through the maintenance of connections and relationships with their loved one, and affirming meaning or purpose in their life.
Source: Mspace (University of Manitoba)
Author: Andrea Colleen Hinch-Bourns
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2292684075