Moving Forward With Grief: Exploring the Long-Term Grieving Experiences of Young Widows

Young widows and widowers, age 45 and under, face unique challenges in their grieving process two or more years after the death of their spouse. This topic and population, however, remain understudied. A Constructivist Grounded Theory study was conducted, with participation from 12 young widows from across Canada. The substantive, emerging grounded theory titled, Moving Forward With Grief was developed which includes five multi-dimensional and non-linear subprocesses: Living with Intention, Changing of Self, Understanding Grief is a Lifelong Experience, Making Space for Grief, and Maintaining a Connection.. This emerging theory will inform nursing practice, research, and education by providing a client-centered understanding of the longevity of grief, as well as presenting actionable ways through which young widows have been able to move forward in their lives with their grief.

Biography

Kathryn Kazoleas, RN

Kathryn Kazoleas is a registered nurse who has worked in homecare for several years and is most recently a clinical nursing instructor at the University of Calgary. With a special interest in, and passion for, grief and grieving, Kathryn recently completed her Master of Nursing, focusing her thesis on the long-term grieving experiences of young widows. She has been a volunteer with a local grief support program for many years, facilitating support groups for individuals experiencing the death of a loved one, and is looking forward to expanding the conversation of grief to nurses and other health-care professionals.