In this episode, Suzi talks to Professor Kate Bennett, an expert in grief and bereavement research. They discuss what it’s been like to experience a bereavement during the pandemic, and offer advice for both those who have experienced loss recently, and those who know people who have and want to offer support.

If you want to take part in Kate’s research on bereavement during COVID-19, the link is here: https://livpsych.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6yXOqN3qFN6sioJ

Kate recommends some papers:

Bennett, K. M. & Soulsby, L. K. (2012). Wellbeing in bereavement and widowhood. Illness, Crisis and Loss

Bennett, K. M. Gibbons, K. & Mackenzie-Smith, S. (2010). Loss and restoration in later Life: An examination of the Dual Process Model of coping with bereavement. Omega: Journal of Death and Dying

Carr, D., House, J. S., Wortman, C., Nesse, R., & Kessler, R. C. (2001). Psychological adjustment to sudden and anticipated spousal loss among older widowed persons. Journals of Gerontology Series B-Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences

Professor Bennett’s publications: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/~kmb/pubs.html

Some charities that offer support:

Cruse: https://www.cruse.org.uk

Age UK: https://www.ageuk.org.uk

Samaritans: https://www.samaritans.org