Continuing bonds reported by bereaved individuals in Ecuador

Resumen

Abstract This qualitative study explored how bereaved individuals (N = 49) from Ecuador experienced continuing bonds with their deceased loved ones. Ninety-eight per cent of participants reported having experienced purposeful bonds (eg. keeping personal belongings/photographs, talking/praying to the deceased, enjoying activities the deceased participated in while alive, visiting cemetery). Sixty-one per cent reported non-purposeful bonds (eg. dreams about deceased, visits from deceased). The presence and effects of these bonds could be both comforting (71%) or discomforting (55%) for participants. Additional research is needed to better understand how we can provide culturally sensitive care to bereaved populations.