The bereavement literature often focuses on parents many years after the death, leaving a gap in understanding early bereavement processes

The gap

Evidence profile

Sourced from the future work and inline gaps and stated research gap and stated challenges of the source papers, classified as general, drawn from work published between 2025 and 2026, spanning 3 journals. Those papers have been cited 2 times in total.

Supporting evidence — 4 representative gaps

• Differences in After-Death Communications: A Comparative Analysis of Unexpected vs. Expected Deaths and Their Impact on Survivors’ Grief and Perception of Death (2025) · OMEGA - Journal of Death and Dying · cited 2× · doi

  While this study provided an analysis of ADC within the context of bereavement and fear of death, there is still much to be explored on this widely understudied topic. Looking at the differences in the impact of ADC between sudden and anticipated losses raises questions about how other factors such as prior beliefs, cultural attitudes, and personal experiences, influence their effectiveness, particularly in reducing fear of death. Future studies could 17 explore the nuances of these experiences to better understand their psychological and spiritual significance. Bereavement was found to be affected positively across groups. Future research could investigate the specific mechanisms through which ADC impact bereavement in different contexts. This includes exploring how individual factors, such as pre-existing beliefs, emotional resilience, and the nature of the relationship with the deceased, interact with the ADC experience. Additionally, longitudinal studies could assess whether the observed benefits of ADC persist over time and how they contribute to long- term grief outcomes. By deepening our understanding of ADC’s role in the grieving process, we can better tailor grief support strategies to meet the diverse needs of bereaved individuals.

  generalfuture work
  Keywords: bereavement fear death impact factors beliefs experiences future better grief provided within context there still
• Parental experiences of grief after perinatal loss: A qualitative systematic review (2026) · Análise Psicológica · doi

  At the same time, there is little evidence about the emotions experienced, the difficulties felt – such as lack of validation, social recognition of the loss and support from the couple – or the rituals used to cope with it. The experience of pregnancy loss, particularly in Portugal, is still an under-researched topic, and there are few studies published in this area. In addition, it is hoped that this article will contribute to further research on the subject. Implications for future research This review has highlighted the need for further research into the potential influence of factors such as gestational age and causes of pregnancy loss on the characteristics of the bereavement process.

  generalinline gaps
  Keywords: loss there pregnancy further time little evidence emotions experienced difficulties felt lack validation social recognition
• Bereaved Parents’ Narratives of Their Child Who Died of Cancer: A Qualitative Study (2026) · PEDIATRICS · doi

  The bereavement literature often focuses on parents many years after the death, leaving a gap in understanding early bereavement processes. There is a lack of understanding of how parents choose to share their child's story and how it can inform the development of novel supportive interventions. Bereavement practices and guidelines vary across providers and institutions, leading to disjointed bereavement support.

  generalstated research gapevidence 5/5
  Keywords: bereavement literature often focuses parents many years after
• Bereaved Parents’ Narratives of Their Child Who Died of Cancer: A Qualitative Study (2026) · PEDIATRICS · doi

  The study identifies the challenge of understanding early bereavement processes, which are often overlooked in the bereavement literature. The study highlights the challenge of providing disjointed bereavement support due to varying practices and guidelines across providers and institutions. The study notes the challenge of pediatric clinicians lacking training in the process and experience of grief and bereavement.

  generalstated challengesevidence 5/5
  Keywords: study identifies challenge understanding early bereavement processes often

Questions about this gap