A narrative inquiry into meaning making after fatal domestic abuse

Abstract

Gillies and Neimeyer’s (2006) model describes three processes of meaning making after bereavement: ‘sense making’, ‘benefit finding’, and ‘identity change’. However, previous research shows that individuals bereaved by traumatic events, such as homicide and suicide, are less likely to make meaning and can develop grief disorders. Research has not explored if meaning making is different for individuals bereaved by domestic abuse and therefore this study examined meaning making processes in individuals bereaved by domestic abuse and the impact of the relationship with the perpetrator on meaning making. Six participants bereaved by domestic abuse engaged in unstructured interviews giving a narrative of their loss. Their narratives were analysed using deductive and inductive Thematic Narrative Analysis and Structural Narrative Analysis. The research found that meaning making for this population is influenced by trauma and the domestic nature specific to the death. It also found that meaning making is impacted by the closeness of the individual’s relationship with the perpetrator. These findings confirm the underlying theory that meaning making is different for this population compared to other traumatic loss. Adaptations to the model are suggested as well as further research to understand individual differences within this population, such as gender, cause of death, and culture. Implications for clinical practice to improve support for this population include using narrative therapeutic techniques and increasing clinical focus on the relationship with the perpetrator.

Date of Award	3 Aug 2024
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Plymouth
Supervisor	Deanna Gallichan (Director of Studies (First Supervisor))