A study of bereavement in the Abrahamic faiths

In the UK approximately 60% of deaths occur in acute hospital settings to people from different cultures and religions. This thesis explored the experiences of bereaved relatives from the Christian, Jewish and Muslim faiths, doctors, nurses, healthcare assistants and religious leaders to explore the essences of bereavement and implications for providing religiously appropriate end of life and bereavement care in an acute hospital setting. Phenomenology provided the philosophical and intellectual framework and van Manen’s (1984) four existential dimensions of temporality, spatiality, corporeality, and communality the structure. Chronological story telling allowed exploration of the ‘lived’ experience of bereavement and demonstrated that current bereavement theories and practice are not always reflective of the diverse needs of a multifaith and multicultural population. Similarities and differences in the requirements of the 3 Abrahamic faiths became apparent through the experiences of all participants and the importance and significance of doing the right thing, at the right time for the right person in a sensitive and caring way was demonstrated. The impact of end of life care on the bereavement experience was palpable throughout participant recollections. The study highlighted education and training needs not only of hospital staff but of the general public and the need for a more holistic approach to bereavement theory, policy, practice and research.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo