Document Type
Article
Publication Date
10-2024
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic changed people’s lives and resulted in tremendous pain, loss and suffering. The Rio Grande Valley (RGV), in the state of Texas in the U.S., was one of the regions with the highest number of infections and deaths during the pandemic. However, individuals’ bereavement in the RGV is rarely addressed. In this qualitative study, a snowball sample of 47 individuals who had lost their loved ones during the years 2020–2021 were interviewed and invited to engage in an art activity. The findings revealed four themes: peculiar funeral, grieving confusion, loved ones’ memories, and connection to self and the lost one through art. Results indicate that the collective aspect of the funeral was disrupted during the pandemic and created emotional numbness and denial. The intensity of grieving did not decrease with time. The participants mainly relied on their family support and rarely sought professional help. A culturally adapted intervention is needed to address long-term bereavement in this community. Analysis of the art activities indicated that all participants had a feeling of peace and relief afterward, especially male participants who had difficulty expressing their emotions. The participants reported that the artwork positively affected their grievances and that the process was satisfying.
Recommended Citation
Feize, L., Gorabi, V., Garza, V., Baggett, C., Sarmiento, C., Tirado, M., … Daniels, M. (2024). Employing Expressive Art to Explore Mexican Americans’ Grief Experiences of Loss Due to COVID-19. Practice, 1–20. https://doi.org/10.1080/09503153.2024.2405601
Publication Title
Practice: Social Work in Action
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1080/09503153.2024.2405601
Comments
This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Practice: Social Work in Action on October 3, 2024, available at:
https://www.tandfonline.com/share/8KUICRY8GM3JY3AB2QJ7?target=10.1080/09503153.2024.2405601