Trajectories of grief in Iranian culture: A phenomenological study of sudden death versus gradual decline

The loss of a family member can trigger diverse emotional responses shaped by the type of death and cultural context. Grief may follow a gradual terminal decline or a sudden death, influencing how it is experienced. This qualitative study examines the lived experiences of Iranian families facing both loss types. Using a phenomenological approach guided by Colaizzi's method, 22 bereaved participants were interviewed. Analysis identified 49 meaning units and 13 themes, organized into four overarching clusters representing a temporal grief trajectory: (1) Acute grief (emotional rupture, embodied distress), (2) Mid-term turmoil (self-blame, existential despair), (3) Cultural and relational mediation (attachment, social support), and (4) Continuing bonds and meaning reconstruction (enduring connection, adaptive/spiritual acceptance). Findings suggest sudden losses produce intense acute and mid-term distress, while gradual losses allow preparation and movement toward acceptance and meaning making. These insights emphasize the value of culturally sensitive, individualized grief interventions in Iranian contexts.