Grief and bereavement during college: Tensions associated with loss in university students from Lima during de COVID-19 pandemic

Dreibelbis M.A.P.; Ronceros R.A.D.L.P.; Ponce C.S.; Camborda L.D.C.M.F.; Tovar S.T.; Castro T.E.V. · Desde el Sur (2026) · DOI: 10.21142/des-1801-2026-0017

Resumen

Grief and bereavement among young college students is a growing topic of interest in qualitative psychological research. This study focuses on the grief experiences of college students in the context of the pandemic. A qualitative study adhering to strict ethical guidelines was conducted with 8 students. Results show that sudden bereavement, especially due to COVID-19, represented a traumatic experience for college students; and, furthermore, it complicated their grief processes. These experiences of grief were lived in different ways: some students actively remember and honor their deceased loved ones, while others avoid confronting their grief, choosing instead to focus on academics. Support networks, including family, peers, and professors, play a critical role in helping students navigate their grief and adjust to the loss. Finally, results of this study provide recommendations for universities to implement policies that offer individual and collective support. These initiatives can help grieving students manage their emotions and academic responsibilities, ensuring their overall well-being.

Instituciones: Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú