“They Never Really Leave Us”: Transcendent Narratives About Loss Resonate With the Experience of Severe Grief

Abstract Self-transcendent media experiences can instill a sense of connectedness, the being part bigger whole. Proposing that this experience is relevant for people who have lost loved one, present research examined processing and effects transcendent narratives loss among bereaved. Study 1 (N = 1,012) if personal with (grief severity, acceptance) increased mixed affect, transportation, identification, appreciation with, without reference to transcendence; 2 240) on elevation connectedness. Findings showed story especially individuals severe grief. Conversely, elevation, connectedness low suggest resonate We found no evidence perspective death reflects difficulty in accepting one’s loss.