Anniversary Reactions: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature
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Authors
Takamoto, Dana Lyn
Issue Date
2001
Type
Dissertation
Language
en
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
The traumatic loss of a loved one is a difficult experience to cope with. The mourning process, as defined by many of the renowned experts in the field of death studies and anniversary phenomena, suggests that the reactions are predominately pathological in nature. This study analyzed 34 cases of anniversary reactions of individuals who suffered the loss of a loved one (usually a parent) at an early age due to death, homicide, or suicide. What the research shows is that the vast majority of the cases were not consciously aware that their reactions were, in part, due to their earlier loss. This leads to implications that there is a lack of awareness in the general population of the anniversary phenomena and how it impacts individuals. There were several themes that emerged from the analysis of the cases; the first was the unconscious process that is occurring; the exact anniversary reaction as the deceased; homicide and suicide correlation to early trauma; differences and similarities in gender reactions; hallucinations and delusions; and children as triggers to anniversary reactions. There is also speculation on the lack of rituals to mourn the loved one in the American culture as compared to many other cultures. Some of the cultures that were elaborated on include Irish, Jewish, Native American, and Chinese.