Looking through the lens of Receptivity and its role in bereavement support: A Review of the Literature

Abstract

Receptivity is a new concept within the area of scholarship on bereavement. There is a dearth of research that specifically focuses on individuals’ receptivity in relation to bereavement support. This is particularly the case within the context of rural, regional, and remote locations. There is also a noticeable absence in the literature on bereavement support to Aboriginal families. Understanding receptivity in relation to bereavement in rural areas is important, particularly as bereavement support is an important area of service to the community by palliative care services. Receptivity to bereavement services has been identified as a critical factor in participation in bereavement support programs. This review provides a starting point by outlining the present literature on receptivity and bereavement.