Preprint Case Report Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

The Trajectory of Depression through Disenfranchised Grief in Young Widows in Times of COVID-19: A Case Report from the Rural Population in India

Version 1 : Received: 17 April 2023 / Approved: 18 April 2023 / Online: 18 April 2023 (05:02:59 CEST)

A peer-reviewed article of this Preprint also exists.

Nasir, S.; Giménez-Llort, L. The Trajectory of Depression through Disenfranchised Grief in Young Widows in Times of COVID-19: A Case Report from Rural India. Behav. Sci. 2023, 13, 653. Nasir, S.; Giménez-Llort, L. The Trajectory of Depression through Disenfranchised Grief in Young Widows in Times of COVID-19: A Case Report from Rural India. Behav. Sci. 2023, 13, 653.

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic is one of the past century's deadliest and most widespread viral outbreaks, with higher mortality rates in men than women. Disruptions in funeral rituals and customs, no social recognition of the loss, and limited social support intricate the grieving process and are linked with disenfranchised (not openly acknowledged, socially recognized, or publicly mourned) grief. Depression is also highly comorbid with complicated grief. Losing a spouse can be devastating, but more severe for women with limited or no resources, vulnerable to the patriarchal society. In the current COVID-19 era, increased uncertainty and disenfranchised grief can worsen the clinical scenario and intervention, as highlighted by the present case report of disenfranchised grief with depressive symptoms in a 30 years old woman from rural India who, after a year of her marriage, lost her husband due to COVID-19. This case study emphasizes the impact of multiple axes of disadvantages due to sociodemographic and cultural determinants that can complicate the grieving process in the current context. The bioecological model of grief recovery considered the individual features and the societal/environmental factors to postulate the appropriate intervention. Finding meaning and purpose in life, and restoration-oriented coping were successful for clinical management.

Keywords

disenfranchised grief; widowhood; rural India; COVID-19 pandemic; bioecological model; coping

Subject

Medicine and Pharmacology, Psychiatry and Mental Health

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