Giving Grief Words: Writing during Bereavement

Abstract

The activity of writing as a coping mechanism during the process of grief is explored. This study is based on questionnaire responses from bereaved persons cared for by Boulder County Hospice's Follow-Up Services Team. Several facets of the writing experience are discussed: forms the writing has taken, whether the writing was spontaneous or structured, difficulties experienced in writing, disclosure of the writings, reactions of others to the writings, perceived helpfulness of the writing experience, and time during the grief process when writing was most helpful. Recognizing certain limitations on the use of writing during bereavement, this article focuses on the potential benefits for bereaved persons and encourages the consideration by caregivers of writing as a valuable coping tool.