Cultural Expressions of Bereavement and the Role of Group Psychotherapy in Collectivistic Communities

Grief is a universal human experience; however, its expression, meaning, and healing processes are deeply shaped by cultural contexts. In collectivistic cultures, bereavement is often experienced and managed communally through shared rituals, spiritual practices, and collective meaning-making, yet many existing grief interventions remain grounded in Western individualistic models. The objective of this article is to examine how bereavement grief is expressed within collectivistic communities and to explore the relevance and effectiveness of group psychotherapy as a culturally responsive intervention. Using a narrative literature review methodology, recent empirical studies and theoretical frameworks on grief, culture, and group psychotherapy were systematically examined and synthesized. Findings from the reviewed literature indicate that culturally adapted group psychotherapy interventions are effective in reducing grief-related distress, enhancing emotional regulation, and promoting communal healing through shared narratives, rituals, and emotional co-regulation. Based on these findings, the article proposes a culturally sensitive bereavement group psychotherapy framework integrating Narrative Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy. The paper also highlights key implications for practice in collectivistic cultures and breaks down some limitations, challenges and critical considerations when using group psychotherapy for bereavement. The article concludes that group psychotherapy offers a culturally congruent and effective approach to bereavement care in collectivistic cultures by honoring relational bonds, spiritual traditions, and collective healing processes.

collectivistic culture, bereavement

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