TRAINING NEEDS IN BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT FOR PORTUGUESE PROFESSIONALS: QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS OF SALP23 ABSTRACTS
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https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4673-3993
Paula Santos
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7898-8731
Margarida Cerqueira
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7730-5537
Abstract
This study examined the bereavement support training needs of Portuguese professionals working in the fields of education, psychology, healthcare, and social services who, in the course of their duties, provide support to individuals, families, and communities experiencing grief. Through qualitative analysis of the abstracts submitted to SALP23 – 2023 Seminar on Bereavement Counseling in Portugal, the study aimed to identify training gaps and essential competencies for intervention, with the goal of informing the development of a specialized bereavement counseling curriculum tailored to the Portuguese context. Using Bardin’s content analysis method and webQDA software, three key categories of training needs emerged: strengthening theoretical, practical, and personal competencies. In terms of theoretical competencies, professionals indicated the need for a deeper understanding of contemporary grief models and various forms of grief, such as anticipatory and vicarious grief. To enhance practical competencies, participants highlighted the importance of improving applied knowledge of psychoeducational intervention techniques, both classical and creative, as well as those suited to community-based approaches. Regarding personal competencies, there was a strong emphasis on the need to develop self-care strategies and receive emotional support, with the aim of preventing vicarious grief and fostering healthy, sustainable professional practice. The findings underscore the importance of a multidimensional training program that prepares professionals to deliver effective and humanized bereavement support, attuned to the cultural and contextual specificities of Portugal. The conclusions of this study seek to inform the development of a national advanced training curriculum in Bereavement Counseling, ensuring a qualified and sensitive response to the needs of both the bereaved and the professionals who support them.
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