Conception and Experiences of Grief Among Ghanaian Children

Bibliographic Data

ID13628242
AuthorsPatricia Ndiwe Pensan Acheampong (0009-0007-5785-0662, Department of Psychology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana), Johnny Andoh-Arthur (0000-0002-7036-1835, Department of Psychology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana), Annabella Osei-Tutu (0000-0001-9407-8770, Department of Psychology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana, corresponding author)
Year2025
Pages302228251350209-302228251350209
Publication date2025-06-12
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueOMEGA - Journal of Death and Dying (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0030-2228 • E-ISSN: 1541-3764
PublisherSAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/00302228251350209
PMID40506252
OpenAlexW4411226267
LanguageEN
References cited37

The purpose of the study was to explore the conceptions and experiences of grief due to death among Ghanaian children. The study employed a phenomenological study design to understand the lived experiences of Ghanaian children, using a semi-structured interview guide. Participants were purposefully sampled. Thirty school-going children aged between 7 and 17 (average age: 13.83) who had experienced the loss of a loved one, were interviewed in English and Twi. Recorded interviews were transcribed and translated for analysis in English. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. A total of seven themes were developed: 1) Understanding death and grief; 2) Expressions of grief; 3) Impact of loss; 4) Self-help strategies; 5) Social support; 6) Bereavement rituals; and 7) Concerns and challenges in grief. Findings highlight the needs of bereaved children experiencing grief, provide avenues for extensive research into the subject area, and offer relevant knowledge to all stakeholders

Developmental psychology · Grief · Psychoanalysis · Psychotherapist · Traumatic grief · Grief, Bereavement, and Mental Health · Homelessness and Social Issues · Migration, Health and Trauma · Psychology

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