Grief Processing in Adolescent: Cultural Practices, Social Influences, and Unprocessed Grief within an Indian Context
Abstract: Adolescents who lose someone important to them have to grieve while developing their own identity and relying on family, peers, and community to tell them what grief looks like. This study explored how culturally sensitive practices and social influences shape the way adolescents experiencing unprocessed grief express and process their grief. A qualitative phenomenological design was used to interview a purposive sample of twelve adolescents aged 12-18 from Bengaluru using semi-structured interviews. The interviews were then analysed using thematic analysis with six phases. The interview accounts presented here are simulations to test the study design. Across all accounts, grief was long-lasting, triggered by specific reminders, and often hidden behind functioning. Rituals helped when adolescents were given a role, and hurt when adolescents were excluded or given adult responsibilities. Stock phrases, expectations to be strong, gendered norms, and the minimization of losses outside of the immediate family left grief unspoken. Participants coped through creative and physical outlets and continuing bonds. The paper recommends bereavement protocols in schools, culturally-informed counselling, inclusive rituals, and visible, low-stigma support.
Keywords: Adolescent Grief, Unprocessed Grief, Cultural Practices, Social Influences, Bereavement Support
How to Cite?: Anjana K.R, "Grief Processing in Adolescent: Cultural Practices, Social Influences, and Unprocessed Grief within an Indian Context", Volume 15 Issue 10, October 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 878-886, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR261013165034, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR261013165034