Individual, Family, and Community Education ETDs

Publication Date

Fall 11-9-2020

Abstract

A MULTICULTURAL STUDY OF THE EXPERIENCE OF GRIEF FOLLOWING INVOLUNTARY JOB LOSS

by DIANE BYRD LACEN

B. A., English, The University of New Mexico, 1989 M. A., Secondary Education, The University of New Mexico, 1996 M. A., Counseling and Guidance, New Mexico Highlands University, 2005 Ph.D., Counselor Education, The University of New Mexico, 2020

ABSTRACT

Unemployment affects many individuals and families in today’s world. This qualitative multiple-case study design examined how individuals from diverse backgrounds experienced grief following involuntary job loss. A purposeful sampling consisted of nine adults who represented the multicultural diversity in New Mexico. Triangulation of methods included comparing and cross-checking data collected through initial and follow-up phenomenological interviews and a focus group. Findings from this study indicated that a job is a relationship which is influenced by culture, commitment, relationship factors, and external factors. Loss of the job relationship impacted self and work identity. The impact of the perceptions of changing identity and loss of identity as well as the loss of relationship resulted in grief manifestations. Information learned from this study may directly help those who work with grief and, more specifically, involuntary job loss and grief. It may serve to highlight relevant counseling needs. In addition, this study may serve to inform and serve the population who experienced this as a result of COVID-19.

Keywords

unemployment, grief, multicultural, counseling, relationship

Document Type

Dissertation

Language

English

Degree Name

Counselor Education

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

Individual, Family, and Community Education

First Committee Member (Chair)

Kristopher Michael Goodrich, Ph.D.

Second Committee Member

Jean Keim, Ph.D.

Third Committee Member

Jenna Crabb, Ph.D.

Fourth Committee Member

Pisarn Chamcharatsri, Ph.D.

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