A Phenomenological Study on Family Bereavement Experiences by the Deaf

While noting the family of the Deaf, who are not well represented in the general categories of families, this study delves into the underlying meaning behind their family bereavement experiences. Accordingly, this study selected three Deaf individuals who had experienced the death of a family member, and conducted two or more in-depth interviews with each of the participants. The collected data were analyzed for content and meaning based on Giorgi’s (1985) qualitative research method of phenomenology. The analysis established 12 surface and 4 underlying topics from family bereavement experiences by Deaf individuals. The underlying topics included ‘Trapped in a labyrinth as I could not participate in the history of my own family,’ ‘My forgotten disabilities re-emerged in a funeral space full of spoken language,’ ‘Losing my ally who shared my burden in a soundless world,’ and ‘Regaining enthusiasm for life little by little by relying on sign language and family.’ Structuring the content revealed the key topic was ‘Lives rejuvenating in the name of the family that held withdrawn hands.’ Based on these findings, this study suggested providing psychological and mental support to the Deaf who will experience difficulties due to the death of a family member and making educational and institutional improvements.