Disenfranchised Grief and Ambiguous Loss in Migration: The Experiences of Migrants in Canada
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Authors
James, Gordeen
Issue Date
2025-12-03
Type
Capstone
Language
en
Keywords
ambiguous loss , disenfranchised grief , intersectionality , migrant , migration , multiculturalism , othering
Alternative Title
Abstract
This capstone examines how migrants in Canada experience ambiguous loss and disenfranchised grief. A systematic review of 11 peer-reviewed articles (2020–2025), shows three major themes: the layered loss of migration, including identity disruption, and cultural displacement; silenced grief and systemic exclusion; and meaning-making and resilience through adaptive coping strategies and cultural continuity. The analysis is grounded in a constructivist paradigm and draws on ambiguous loss theory, disenfranchised grief theory, shattered assumptions theory, and intersectionality to highlight how dominant Western models sometimes misinterpret migrant grief. The findings reveal the need for culturally responsive, trauma-informed approaches that validate migrant grief and reduce the risk of pathologization. This study contributes to counselling practice by highlighting narratives that are underrepresented, especially those of racialized migrants. It offers recommendations for more inclusive clinical and systemic responses.
Description
Citation
Publisher
License
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States
openAccess
openAccess