Exploration of the mentalization process in bereavement from a psychoanalytic perspective

Who are we?

We are Dr Monika Sobczak-Edmans (senior lecturer in psychology at De Montfort University), Dr Zehra Ersahin (senior lecturer in psychology at De Montfort University), and Dr. Ying Liu (counsellor, psychotherapist, independent researcher). We are collaborating on a research project that aims at exploring the mentalisation process in bereavement.

What is the study about?

This research study aims at exploring the mentalization process in bereavement from a psychoanalytic perspective. Mentalization is the ability to understand mental states of self and others. In this project, we seek to understand the change in quality of mentalisation in bereavement and its relationship to object relation.

What is involved in the study?

You will be invited to participate in an online interview that lasts for approximately 90 minutes. During the interview, you will be asked to speak openly about what comes to your mind with regards to the relationship with an important person from your life. You will be given few minutes to respond without interruption. Afterwards, the researcher will ask you questions about your experience of the bereavement including your feelings, thoughts and behaviours related to the bereavement. An example of an interview question would be to describe your feelings after the loss of the loved one.

Prior to the interview, you will be invited to complete a demographic questionnaire, mentalisation, and grief questionnaires.

The interview will be audio recorded and transcribed using transcription feature in MS Teams. Interview will not be video recorded.

This research is for you if you:

• Are aged 18-65
• do not have a diagnosis of chronic mental or somatic illness, or current alcohol or drug dependency
• have lost a significant other (spouse/partner/parent) no less than 6 months and no more than 10 years ago.

Please do not participate in this study if you currently find your experience of bereavement overwhelming.

What are the possible benefits of taking part?

You will be reimbursed £ 15 via online vouchers for study participation. You will receive the online vouchers after the participated interview. If you decide to drop out during the interview, you will still be reimbursed for the time participated.

I am interested in taking part, what do I do next?

If you are interested in taking part in this study, please contact Dr Monika Sobczak-Edmans via email: bereavement.study@dmu.ac.uk

Alternatively, you can participate in the study via this link: https://dmupsy.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cJ8t6nZOyRCjBxI?Q_CHL=qr

Please see flyer here.