Bereavement photography, volunteering, and posttraumatic growth: A mixed-methods investigation

Abstract

Bereavement photography has been recognized as an important tool to create memories and as a support service for parents experiencing perinatal loss. This paper explores the impact of volunteering on posttraumatic growth among photographers working with parents impacted by stillbirth. Using a mixed-methods design, 141 Australian and New Zealand volunteer bereavement photographers were recruited. Higher number of losses experienced by photographers were correlated with a higher level of posttraumatic growth. Volunteering was associated with an enhanced understanding of loss, increased empathy for bereaved parents, developing effective coping skills and a renewed appreciation of photography. Implications of the findings are discussed.

Acknowledgements

We wish to express our gratitude to Gavin Blue OAM and the bereavement photographers from Heartfelt who so generously shared their wisdom, knowledge and experiences with our research team. This unique form of bereavement support not only validates parents’ loss, but helps parents maintain continuing bonds with their cherished babies.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).