The need for and barriers to professional help – a qualitative study of the bereaved in Sámi areas

Abstract

In order to secure appropriate follow-up for the bereaved after traumatic death among indigenous groups in Norway, this study aims to acquire specific and local knowledge conserning their need for help and to examine whether they do in fact seek out and receive help from the healthcare system when needed. This paper is based on the analysis of 30 in-depth interviews with Sami bereaved who had lost a close family member to suicide, murder, accident or sudden infant death, and it rests on a hermeneutica phenomenological approach. The findings indicate that most of the bereaved from Sami areas were strongly affected by the traumatic death of a follow-up that they needed. These barriers are discussed in relation to: a) the failure of traditional Sámi norms and support systems, b) shortcomings in majority (Norwegian) support systems, and c) knowledge and integration of new standards. Finally, the requirements for an optimal support service are outlined according to the needs of indigenous bereaved. The knowledge gained through the present study may be comparable and transferrable to other indigenous and minority groups.