The Impact of COVID-19 on Grief: A Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis in Italy

Ciro De Vincenzo, Gianmarco Biancalani, Livia Sani, Marie Frédérique Bacqué, Livia Novelletto, Debora Scussolin, Ines Testoni

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This mixed-method research study delves into the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on loss and mental health in Italy. The analysis uncovers a significant correlation between COVID-19 fear and heightened anxiety, depression, and stress, exacerbated by social isolation and misinformation. The loss of loved ones during the pandemic intensifies distress, with 28% showing signs of prolonged disorder and 22.8% displaying maladaptive grief symptoms. Distress persists across pandemic phases (59.3% critical, 54.9% intermediate, 48.4% less critical), attributed to grief, fear, uncertainty, and isolation. Qualitative analysis identifies two core themes: ‘Death without Dying’ and ‘Online Grieving Practices and Coping Strategies,’ elucidating disruptions to traditional grieving and the role of online coping strategies. Our findings underscore the pandemic’s multifaceted impact on grief and mental health in Italy, highlighting the importance of addressing social and emotional needs during crises.

Original languageEnglish
JournalOmega: Journal of Death and Dying
Early online date17 Apr 2024
DOIs
StateE-pub ahead of print - 17 Apr 2024

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© The Author(s) 2024.

Keywords

  • COVID-19
  • grief
  • mental health
  • mixed-methods

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Health(social science)
  • Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine
  • Life-span and Life-course Studies

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