Interscientific Health Care (2010) 2, 2, 55-63

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Interscientific Health Care (2010) Vol 2, Issue 2, 55-63

Transcultural exploration of bereavement and grief

Zartaloudi A.1
1

PhD, MSc, RN, Department of Psychiatry, Sismanoglio General Hospital, Athens

ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Grief is an innate and natural reaction of people to the death of a loved one. Many studies related to
the manifestations of grief in different cultures recognize a variety of different approaches and responses to loss. AIM:
The purpose of this study is to explore different grief manifestations across cultures in order to be able to approach
and interpret peoples responses to death more easily. METHOD: A critical review of this body of literature was
carried out. Evidence was collected through Medline database. RESULTS: Are grief manifestations similar or different
across cultures? Grief and pain constitute a universal phenomenon, although the obvious manifestations of grief can
be influenced by cultural norms and values. There are obvious cultural differences. CONCLUSION: Each culture has
its own way to deal with grief. The way individuals react to a loss depends on the cultural environment they live and
grow, the way they contact with other people and the meanings they give to life and death. The first step for health
professionals in order to be able to help people from other cultures, experiencing the process of bereavement, is to
explore their real needs and beliefs.
Key words: culture, bereavement, death, grief

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Corresponding Author: Zartaloudi A28-30, Olimbou str., 15235, Vrilissia, Athens GREECE Tel: +30 210 6130939, e-mail: afzarta@gmail.com

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