Exploration of understanding of the economic implications of bereavement

The submission draws together work conducted to explore understanding of economic implications of bereavement. The publications include a monograph and peer reviewed articles based on empirical research on economic implications of death of a partner. This study involved an experimental mixed methods research approach; tested an innovative model of psychotherapeutic support for researchers working on sensitive topics, made a contribution to current theorisation of the experience of bereavement, and enabled reflection on role and identity in end-of-life care. Related publications submitted arose from this study and further general scholarship on the significance of economic issues for families when one member dies. From this body of work arose a particular interest in bereavement and the workplace, which is represented here in the submitted chapter in an edited volume on death and social policy. Most recently, political and media focus on bereavement benefits and problems related to funeral costs provided an opportunity for exploratory research on the concept of ‘funeral poverty’, and the report from this study forms the final item in the publications submitted. My expertise lies in qualitative research but much of the above work has benefited from a close working partnership with a colleague with quantitative skills, with shared interest in opening up and exploring topics which had attracted little previous attention. Many of the publications presented are thus jointly authored, and in each case I provide full explanation of my own contribution. Publications presented are a selection from the outcomes of my long stream of research and scholarship in this area. Substantive findings on the economic implications of death have brought new understanding of the experience of bereavement, previously conceptualised largely within psychological and emotional process. My empirical work and subsequent scholarship has contributed to knowledge on methodological, conceptual and ethical issues and informed national and international policy and practice