Exploring death, dying, and bereavement: characteristics and challenges of a sensitive field of research

Ekkehard Coenen and Matthias Meitzler

Chapter 6 in Handbook of Sensitive Research in the Social Sciences, 2025, pp 77-92 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: This chapter is about the unique features of sensitive research in the context of death, dying and bereavement. Although this initially marginalised field has gradually moved into the focus of qualitative social research, the research process of corresponding studies, the use of respective methods, the handling of research participants and the data collected from them, as well as the role of the researcher and their relationship to the field, have so far been little reflected upon. Based on the assumption that qualitative death studies are a conglomerate of multiple approaches and topics, we identify six fundamental assumptions that play a central role in qualitative research on the end of life. These include epistemological boundaries, the (extra-)ordinariness of the research object, the difficulty of accessing the field, (implicit) norms and rules of piety, the particular relevance of research ethics and the subjectivity and emotionality of the researchers. Although these assumptions can also be found in other fields of research, each with varying degrees of relevance, their specific combination characterises qualitative research in the context of death, dying and bereavement. Considering these common elements enables in-depth reflection on the research methods and, thus, a differentiated and insightful research process in this sensitive area of life.

Keywords: Death; Dying; Grief and mourning; Vulnerability; Qualitative social research; Reflection of methods; Research ethics (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
ISBN: 9781035315222
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