Elaboration on losses experienced by healthy mature women

Authors

  • Sandra Augusta de Melo
  • Anália S. Costa
  • Graciela Cardarelli
  • Lívia Santa Cecília Moraes

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5380/psi.v8i1.3247

Keywords:

women, mourning, loss elaboration

Abstract

The intention of this study was to delve into the psychological aspects of selected healthy and mature women, with respect to the manner in which they dealt with personal losses that had been experienced in life - either real or imaginary. The research investigated the way in which these women expressed their mourning. It is a exploratory research, using qualitative and clinical methods. Data had been collected through interviews which were recorded, and subseqently transcribed and interpreted. A particular observation was that prior to their loss, three of the women had a strong sense of self, and thus their experience was elaborated positivelly, successfullly, and seen as an element for for the growth. This resulted in more self-force and sense of personal security. These women demonstrated an awareness of their limitations as much as their strengh, and this enabled their ability to surpass obstacles. It is concluded that normal development of mourning brought the possibility of understanding their loss, the overcoming of negative aspects inherent to the ambiguity that these losses impute, and made possible the formation of new bonds; most likely as a function of a better integration of the personality in its negative and positive aspects.

Keywords: women; mourning; loss elaboration.

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How to Cite

de Melo, S. A., Costa, A. S., Cardarelli, G., & Moraes, L. S. C. (2004). Elaboration on losses experienced by healthy mature women. Interação Em Psicologia, 8(1). https://doi.org/10.5380/psi.v8i1.3247

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 1 (2004)

Section

Articles

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