Dissertation
Grief and loss of meatpacking workers during the pandemic
University of Iowa
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), University of Iowa
Summer 2025
DOI: 10.25820/etd.008092
Abstract
As individuals continue to navigate the effects of the pandemic, many are experiencing grief and losses tied to their individual intersectional identities and contexts, beyond grief and loss of a loved one. To further expand the construct of grief and loss, a qualitative study was conducted using consensual qualitative research (CQR) with meatpacking workers in the Midwest to better understand their grief and loss based on their experiences as essential workers during the pandemic. Findings included that grief was related to losses including physical health, mental health, and attachments; however, many reported resilience through various supports, learning, adaptation, and meaning-making through spirituality. Working exposed them to COVID-19 and most contracted the virus. On the other hand, it helped them to avoid job and income loss. Despite work hardships they encounter, work is an important attachment as it has helped to reach economic and personal goals; additionally, some participants reported job enjoyment and life satisfaction. Poverty and immigration are important contexts to be considered. Counseling implications, limitations to the study, and future studies are discussed.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Grief and loss of meatpacking workers during the pandemic
- Creators
- Jae Young Kim
- Contributors
- Saba Rasheed Ali (Advisor)Charles Bermingham (Committee Member)Martin Kivlighan (Committee Member)Kristy Nabhan-Warren (Committee Member)
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), University of Iowa
- Degree in
- Psychological and Quantitative Foundations (Counseling Psychology)
- Date degree season
- Summer 2025
- DOI
- 10.25820/etd.008092
- Publisher
- University of Iowa
- Number of pages
- viii, 79 pages
- Copyright
- Copyright 2025 Jae Young Kim
- Language
- English
- Description illustrations
- table
- Description bibliographic
- Includes bibliographical references (pages 61-79).
- Public Abstract (ETD)
Grief and loss may be experienced in other contexts beyond bereavement. This study explored the grief and loss of meatpacking workers of a Midwestern state during the pandemic. Participant losses included mental and physical health as well as attachments to loved ones. Additionally, they were exposed to tremendous risks and endured hardships at work during the pandemic. On the other hand, they were able to avoid job and income loss. Participants managed to cope with their difficulties and while their jobs continue to be challenging, they are able to find gratitude and satisfaction in their life. Some reported positive emotions towards their work. Care must be given to ensure that unseen challenges are not overlooked because of their resiliency.
- Academic Unit
- Psychological and Quantitative Foundations
- Record Identifier
- 9984948341802771
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