Transformation Through Loss and Grief : A Study of Personal Transformation Following Bereavement

The cases of 16 individuals (12 women and 4 men) who reported powerful transformational experiences following bereavement were examined, using a mixed methods approach, including a qualitative thematic analysis of interviews and 2 psychometric scales. Both approaches found significant evidence of positive personal change. Prevalent themes included a sense of permanent transformation, a less materialistic attitude, a different attitude to death, and a sense of inner well-being. The changes were reported as stable and permanent, over long periods of time (a mean of over 13 years since the original bereavement experiences). Two psychometric measures showed statistically significant results. The term “posttraumatic transformation” is used to describe the experience of most of the participants.Parallels are identified between the transformation experienced by the participants and Maslow’s descriptions of “self-actualizers” and the states of optimum human development (or “wakefulness”) described by spiritual traditions. I suggest reasons for the relationship between psychological turmoil and personal transformation.