Date of Conferral

9-4-2025

Degree

Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)

School

Psychology

Advisor

Magy Martin

Abstract

This qualitative phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of young widows who use Instagram for grief support following the death of a spouse. Young widows often face disenfranchised grief and limited access to traditional support systems, which can impede emotional processing and identity reconstruction. Grounded in Continuing Bonds Theory, which posits that ongoing connections with the deceased can be adaptive, the study examined how Instagram facilitates or complicates grief by enabling emotional expression, maintaining bonds, and fostering engagement with a community of shared loss. The central research question asked: How do young widows describe their experiences using Instagram for grief support following the death of a spouse? In-depth interviews were conducted with nine participants recruited through grief-related online communities, and data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify patterns and meanings in their narratives. Findings indicated that Instagram functioned as a valuable virtual space for expressing grief, receiving emotional validation, and building communal support, yet also introduced challenges such as emotional fatigue and the psychological burden of prolonged exposure to grief-related content. The study concludes that Instagram can serve as a meaningful support tool for young widows, though mindful engagement is essential to mitigate potential harms. Implications for positive social change include informing the creation of inclusive, accessible, and digitally responsive grief support services, thereby enhancing access to mental health resources for bereaved individuals. Recommendations for future research include longitudinal studies and examination of how specific Instagram features shape the grieving experience.

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