Cross-cultural analysis of Death perception; Tvärkulturell analys av Dödsuppfattningar

This study aims to gain a deeper understanding of the culturally-specific meanings of death, manifested in personal stories presented in social media. Content analysis is used to analyse 140 posts, in three languages and from authors from 12 national affiliations. Death descriptions often includes a profound sadness, sense of loss and gratitude for the time shared with the deceased, who is considered to be a hero. Traditional mourning rituals blend with new trends, such as celebrations of life and live-streams from the funeral. In the present study the national affiliation of the blogger seems to have only a small effect on the rituals, values and symbols. Individual needs of grieving the dead person must be taken into account when providing social and psychological support. ; Denna studie syftar till att fa en djupare forstaelse for de kulturellt specifika betydelserna av dod, manifesterade i personliga berattelser i sociala medier. Innehallsanalys anvands for att analysera 140 inlagg pa tre sprak, forfattade av personer av 12 olika nationaliteter. Beskrivningarna innehaller ofta djup sorg, en kansla av forlust men ocksa tacksamhet for den tid som delats med den avlidne, som anses vara en hjalte. Traditionella sorgeritualer blandas med nya trender, sasom firandet av liv och filmade sekvenser fran begravningen. I foreliggande studie verkar bloggarens nationella tillhorighet endast ha en liten effekt pa ritualer, varderingar och symboler. De individuella behoven hos den sorjande personen maste darfor beaktas nar socialt och psykologiskt stod ska tillhandahallas.