Continuing bonds reported by bereaved individuals in Ecuador

Abstract

This qualitative study explored how bereaved individuals (N = 49) from Ecuador experienced continuing bonds with their deceased loved ones. Ninety-eight per cent of participants reported having experienced purposeful bonds (eg. keeping personal belongings/photographs, talking/praying to the deceased, enjoying activities the deceased participated in while alive, visiting cemetery). Sixty-one per cent reported non-purposeful bonds (eg. dreams about deceased, visits from deceased). The presence and effects of these bonds could be both comforting (71%) or discomforting (55%) for participants. Additional research is needed to better understand how we can provide culturally sensitive care to bereaved populations.

Keywords:

• continuing bonds
• bereavement
• culture
• qualitative
• Ecuador

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the families who generously participated in this work and openly shared their stories with us. We extend our appreciation to SIFAT, Peggy Walker, and our translators for making this study possible. We also thank the pastors and teachers in Ecuador for recruiting participants and opening their buildings for our use.