Uplifting and Uncanny Conversations Around Death and Dying: Qualitative Study Among Indian Adolescents and Emerging Adults

Title

Uplifting and Uncanny Conversations Around Death and Dying: Qualitative Study Among Indian Adolescents and Emerging Adults

Creator

Naik N.S.

Description

This study explores perspectives of adolescents and emerging adults on having conversations around death and dying, if there is a value in discussing death early in life, and to explore the views on likelihood of introducing death education in Indian curriculum. Using constructivist grounded theory of qualitative research, the study inquired the perspectives of adolescents and emerging adults employing semi-structured interviews. All participants showed interest in discussing the topic; they actively participated in sharing their views, something that they heard, and inquiring about cultural practices. In analyzing the interview data, mainly three themes emerged: 1. Understanding death in relation to shadow and spirit stories; 2. Existential view on death and managing grief and anxiety; 3. Social and cultural narratives into death education. This study sets out to address a gap in research among adolescents and emerging adult attitudes and opinions toward death. However, there is a need to understand barriers in normalizing conversations around death and dying in wider communities in India and further research is essential. The Author(s) 2024.

Source

SAGE Open, Vol-14, No. 2

Date

2024-01-01

Publisher

SAGE Publications Inc.

Subject

adolescents; bereavement; death education; emerging adults; grief; India

Coverage

Naik N.S., Christ University, Karnataka, Bengaluru, India

Rights

All Open Access; Gold Open Access

Relation

ISSN: 21582440

Format

Online

Language

English

Type

Article

Identifier

https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440241242204

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