Pilot study: dreams of widows and religious beliefs in the first stages of grief
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Authors
Barzo-Reinke, J.B.
Issue Date
1987
Type
Thesis
Language
en
Keywords
Dreams--therapeutic use , Grief--psychological aspects , Widows--psychology
Alternative Title
Abstract
This is a pilot study which was designed to clarify the role of dreams and religious beliefs in the bereavement process of young widows, ages 30 to 40, whose husbands died unexpectedly. Eight widows participated in the study by completing dream reports, religious history and belief questionnaires, and telephone interviews. This small sample was limited to middle-class women, all of whom grew up within some organized religion. The data was subjected to content and thematic analysis.
It was found that dreams, regardless of content, were helpful to the study participants in moving through the first stage of grief. The dreams appeared to help the women cope with day-today events. Religious beliefs provided a structure in which coping mechanisms could be practiced and integrated.
The findings may be used by counselors to encourage bereaved persons to develop and use their dreams and spiritual paths in coping with the unexpected death of their spouses or others close to them. Research implications include the design of a longitudinal, clinically-based study which would provide support to the widows as information is being collected.