Grief diary
Method Stream: Other
ECs Both 14 and 23 EC thesis possible
The diary of Anne Frank gives us a rich insight into the daily life of a Jewish girl who was in hiding during World War II. The diary of Frida Kahlo offers a unique glimpse into the inner world of an extraordinary artist. The scientist Charles Darwin also kept diaries in which he made detailed notes that later contributed to the development of the theory of evolution.
After a major life event, such as the death of a loved one, some people keep a diary. Writing down thoughts and feelings in a diary can help with coping and processing grief. Personal diaries provide access to the everyday lives of individuals. What motivates bereaved people to keep—or not keep—a diary? What are the characteristics of people who are willing to keep a diary? What experiences do people have with diary writing? And perhaps the most important question: “What can these personal diaries tell us about how people cope with loss?”
You can explore these questions in your master’s thesis. This can be done using either quantitative or qualitative research. In consultation, you can choose the approach that suits you best. A maximum of two students can work on this thesis topic.