Using bereavement theory to understand memorialising behaviour

Two major theoretical approaches to bereavement – loosely categorised as psychological models of adaptation and the more socially orientated idea of continuing bonds – are often utilised to make sense of the experience of grief. This exploratory article suggests that there is much scope for applying these theoretical concepts to memorialisation, in order that those tasked with presenting and managing memorial options for bereaved people can be more understanding of the reasoning behind individual’s memorialising choices and behaviour.