SOCIAL NETWORK AS SUPPORT IN BEREAVEMENT: TO WHOM SHOULD I ENTRUST MY SADNESS?

ABSTRACT

This article aims to understand the experiences of loss and social support in significant social networks of bereaved people. The qualitative study involved 12 people who lost a family member during their adult life. For the data collection, I used semi-structured interviews and network maps, and for the organization and integration of the data, we used the coding procedures of the Grounded Theory. The different actors involved in a macro and micro relationship system formed around supporting expression and sharing experiences of mourning for the bereaved people are analyzed. Thus, family members, friends, health professionals, co-workers and study developed a relational process of giving and receiving emotional support, social companionship and material help in grieving. In turn, the characteristics of the mourner's interpersonal bonds with members of his network, such as multidimensionality, the history of the relationship, availability and reciprocity, facilitated the sharing of mourning experiences. From the perspective of the promotion of health, it corresponds to the professionals who improve the appropriate social support for each person in view of the support resources available in their network of significativ relationships.It is considered that it is because of the protagonism of the mourner and the support given in the context of significant social networks that it is possible to occur the psychosocial integration of bereaved people who live in a situation of mourning in contemporary times.

Keywords:
Social networks; mourning; interpersonal relationships