Elusive closure: a case study of bereaved Brazilian immigrants in Germany

Abstract This article delves into how bereaved Brazilian immigrants in Germany confront their mourning far from their country of upbringing. Introducing the term “elusive closure,” the study captures the unique, unresolved grief that distance can impose on migrants. While the significance of mourning is undeniable, few recent studies have explored immigrant bereavement experiences. Addressing this gap, this research delves into the narratives of three bereaved Brazilians in Germany, emphasizing the complexities of transnational bereavement and the profound strain of geographic distance during central moments of grief. The findings highlight the challenging tapestry of isolation, sadness, guilt, and disconnection from cultural touchstones. Furthermore, the inability to attend a loved one’s funeral magnified their transnational bereavement. This article heralds crucial clinical implications, advocating for healthcare providers to recognize the unique challenges imposed by distance. It further amplifies the call for more research on immigrant bereavement, illuminating the multifaceted grief experiences in the diaspora.