Death and bereavement in Mercer County, New Jersey: A study in ethnic diversity

Abstract

In this study of ethnic patterns of practices surrounding death and bereavement in one locality, a group composed of representatives of various ethnic groups discussed these practices over a six-month period. Findings include relative homogeneity regarding communication with the dying person, a “conspiracy of silence” about death being the rule, great diversity of funeral practices, and little community participation in post-funeral bereavement processes except in Jewish and Eastern Orthodox communities. The lack of such community participation was thought to be a major factor in life disruption due to the failure of persons to grieve adequately.