An Ambiguous Loss: Psychological Impact of Restrictions on the Bereaved Families of COVID-19 Patients

During the COVID-19 pandemic, several reports had been released which talked about the emerging mortality case in the country while only a few covers the situation of the bereaved families after they had lost a loved one in the middle of restrictions. Thus, this phenomenological study analyzed the psychological impact of these restrictions on the bereaved families of COVID-19 patients. Specifically, this study addressed the demographic profile of the respondents in terms of their age and their relationship with the deceased; their perception in COVID-19 restrictions including isolation without seeing the remains of the deceased, and the elimination of Filipino wake and burial rites and practices; and its psychological impact on the participants in the matter of grief process and mourning. This study was participated by 6 residents from Quezon province wherein guilt, regret, anxiety, and difficulty in acknowledging and accepting death arises on their narratives done through an in-depth interview. This was also analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). This study shows that there is a psychological impact which roots from the restrictions implemented during COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, a proposed modified guidelines was proposed as a solution in this problem.