Palavras na pedra: uma análise do luto a partir da elaboração e leitura de epitáfios

Abstract

The present research is about bereavement and its process, having as objective to identify the various elements that are present in the relationships between the lost person and the bereaved family members. Attachment Theory is the theoretical reference in this research since it presents deeply the psychological aspects involved in the breaking of bonds, demonstrating the central importance of the affectional bonds in human life. Eighty-four members from thirty-nine families were interviewed. The participants had been bereaved from 4 months to two years until the date of the interview. The instrument used to collect data was a request of elaborating an epitaph to the lost person following brief interview. In the second phase of the research four other people who had lost a family member were interviewed. The research has a qualitative nature and "Grounded Theory Methodology" was applied for data analysis, allowing the theoretical construction. The central category of the theory is MODIFYING THE BOND IN ORDER TO NOT BREAKING IT, which, demonstrates the trajectory of the bereavement, though the experience of the bereaved person showing the sequence of movements and clarifying the high risk caused by loss of a significant figure, creating social and psychological spaces for the perennialization of the dead person. The three phenomena which constitute the central category and demonstrate the moments of the process are: SAYING GOODBYE TO THE LOST PERSON, SEARCHING THE WHEREABOUTS AND MEETING WITH PEOPLE WHO STAYED