SWALLOWING THE PAIN: THE EFFECT OF CONDOLENCE CULTURE ON TRAUMA AND GRIEF EXPERIENCE

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of the rituals that are considered appropriate by Turkish society during the condolence and mourning process of individuals who experience loss on the individual during and after the condolence and mourning process.

Method: This qualitative research is based on the interpretive phenomenological approach. A total of 22 participants who had lost a family member within the last five years and were identified as bereaved were included in the study.

Results: The data obtained from the participants were analyzed using the content analysis method and six themes were identified: Swallowing Pain, Idealized Rituals Creating Trauma, Cultural Mourning Rituals Transferred between Generations, Dreams Turning into Nightmares, Revived Traumatic Memories, and Rituals Affecting Cultural Beliefs and Life Functions.

Conclusion: These findings show that condolence and mourning rituals practiced after loss in Turkey negatively affect individuals experiences of death, pain, and grief.