Cultural grief norms among young people who have lost someone to suicide in Greenland and Denmark
Here you can read about the research project:
“Pain Thresholds” examines how young people who have lost someone to suicide experience grief and how cultural norms shape their experiences in Greenland and Denmark. The project will generate knowledge that can strengthen psychological practice and counseling, ensuring it takes local experiences and cultural differences into account.
In Greenland, loss to suicide is widespread, yet our understanding of grief is still primarily based on Western theories, which do not always align with local conditions. By comparing young people in Greenland and Denmark, the researchers can investigate how experiences of grief are influenced by culture and norms, and how psychological interventions can be adapted to different contexts.
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The project is led by Frida Ramsing, PhD student at the Department of Psychology and affiliated with the Unit for Bereavement Research. She collaborates with a group of experienced researchers and psychologists, ensuring both academic depth and local cultural anchoring.
The project is funded by Aarhus University as part of FR’s PhD fellowship and is further supported by the Aase and Ejnar Davidsen Foundation. The research activities are carried out in close collaboration with local stakeholders in Greenland and Denmark, including healthcare professionals and interest organizations.
The project uses qualitative interviews and ethnographic methods to understand young people’s experiences of grief. The project follows strict ethical guidelines, with a focus on anonymity, informed consent, and respect for the participants' cultural backgrounds.