From Lived Experience to Clinical Insight: A Qualitative Study of Mental Health Experts’ and Bereaved Individuals’ Perspectives on Factors Leading to Prolonged Grief Disorder

Abstract

The Purpose of the research was to examine the causative factors linked to prolonged grief disorder (PGD) in bereaved adults who have lost a parent or both. The death of parents is very painful and has long-term negative effects including pain, sadness, grief, limitlessness and social isolation on individuals’ life. Bereaved people faced emotional and social issues due to that loss and after a certain time period, if mental health issues raised persistently, it may cause prolonged grief disorder. Qualitative research method was used in this research. Six Psychologists and Psychiatrists, and six bereaved people were interviewed semi-structured and the data were analysed thematically. The five main themes that were identified during the analysis were psychological symptoms, grief progression, family dynamics, protective factors, and socio-cultural and religious beliefs. Clinical evaluation and better treatment outcomes of bereaved people can be achieved by incorporation of family support, culturally sensitive and focused psychological interventions.