Research indicates that shared experiences can trigger feelings of empathy and mutual support among individuals who have experienced similar losses. This is particularly true for people who have lost loved ones during war or natural disasters. Such experiences can lead to profound psychological changes, such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and even suicide attempts. In addition, group therapy sessions provide an opportunity for individuals to express their grief in a safe environment while receiving feedback from peers.
It may also impede personal growth if too much attention is focused on others' stories rather than one's own.
A study conducted by researchers from Harvard University found that soldiers who were deployed together exhibited higher levels of PTSD symptoms compared to those deployed alone. The researchers suggested this might be due to the fact that members of a unit are more likely to experience trauma together, which increases the likelihood of developing a bond through shared emotional states. Another study published in the journal Social Psychology Quarterly explored how women coped with their husbands' deaths in combat. The authors found that women who were part of military families reported lower levels of post-loss adjustment than those whose partners had died outside of the military context. They hypothesized this could be because military culture emphasizes stoicism and strength, making it difficult to open up about emotions.
Studies show that collective mourning has positive effects when individuals share memories of deceased loved ones.
Bereavement groups help individuals process loss by providing a space where they can speak freely about their feelings without fear of judgment or reprisal. Similarly, online forums allow people to connect with others experiencing similar losses. Researchers have found that these forums often include discussions about coping strategies, such as writing letters to the deceased or attending funerals. This approach allows individuals to cope with loss in their own time and way without feeling pressured into conforming to societal norms.
How does collective grief within units influence private emotional life?
Collective grief refers to the shared feelings of sadness, loss, and mourning among individuals who belong to the same community or group due to the death or loss of someone close to them. Grieving is a personal process that occurs individually and privately, but it can also be influenced by the experiences of others around you. When groups of people experience collective grief together, they tend to share similar emotions and support each other during this difficult time.