Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Psychology

Program Name/Specialization

Developmental Psychology

Faculty/School

Faculty of Science

First Advisor

Dr. Sybil Geldart

Advisor Role

Supervisor

Abstract

Non-death losses can evoke emotional responses similar to death loss, especially when core aspects of identity are disrupted (Papa et al., 2014). However, non-death losses are less likely to be recognized, validated, or supported by others (Mitchell, 2018). For emerging adults, such as university or college students, identity formation is closely tied to close interpersonal relationships (Arnett, 2000). Thus, the end of these relationships can be as impactful as a death loss (Papa et al., 2014). Importantly, social support is a key modifiable protective factor in grief, but research has focused almost exclusively on death losses (Cacciatore et al., 2021). As a result, little is known about which types of support are perceived as helpful after non-death loss or whether support is perceived differently across death and non-death loss contexts. Using a within-subject vignette-based design, 200 undergraduate emerging adults (165 women and 35 men; median age = 19 years) rated the helpfulness of specific support actions in hypothetical scenarios involving the death or estrangement of a close childhood friend. A 2 (loss scenario: death vs. non-death) × 3 (support type: emotional, tangible, informational) within-subjects ANOVA examined differences in helpfulness ratings. Emotional support was rated highest, followed by informational and tangible support. Emotional support involved listening, acknowledging feelings, and checking in; informational support involved coping guidance and resources; and tangible support involved practical help with meals, chores, or responsibilities. Across support types, ratings were significantly higher for death-loss than for non-death-loss. Together, these findings offer practical insights into how emerging adults evaluate supportive responses across different loss contexts and may inform efforts to strengthen grief literacy and responsive support systems within postsecondary settings.

Convocation Year

2026

Convocation Season

Fall

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Available for download on Tuesday, August 10, 2027

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