A Study of Attitudes Toward the Loss of a Loved One among Older Adults in Bangkok
Keywords:
Bereavement, Grief, Older Adults, Bangkok, Integrated Care, BuddhismAbstract
This study aimed to: (1) examine attitudes toward the loss of a loved one among older adults in Bangkok; (2) analyze the relationships between demographic factors and attitudes toward loss; and (3) develop coping approaches for bereavement among older adults. The study employed a mixed-methods design following the framework of Creswell, integrating qualitative and quantitative approaches with psychological perspectives and Buddhist principles.
The quantitative sample comprised 150 older adults aged 60 years and above who had experienced the loss of a loved one within the past five years, selected through stratified random sampling. The research instrument was an attitudes-toward-loss questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of 0.96. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (Pearson’s correlation coefficient). Qualitative data were derived from documentary research and academic seminars and analyzed using content analysis and methodological triangulation.
The findings indicated that: (1) overall attitudes toward the loss of a loved one among older adults in Bangkok were at a high level (X = 3.78, S.D. = 0.74). Among the three dimensions, the cognitive and meaning-making dimension had the highest mean score (X = 3.92), followed by the emotional dimension (X = 3.85), while the behavioral and adjustment dimension was at a moderate level (X = 3.58). (2) Demographic factors showing strong correlations with attitudes toward loss included the type of person lost (r = 0.49) and time since the loss (r = -0.46). Moderate correlations were found for primary source of support (r = -0.45), living arrangements (r = 0.37), and nature of the loss (r = 0.34), whereas gender (r = 0.25) showed a weak correlation. (3) The developed coping framework comprises four integrated care approaches: individualized care, time-based care, holistic care, and network-based care. These approaches integrate modern scientific knowledge with Buddhist principles to promote acceptance of loss and sustainable post-bereavement growth.
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