Representações e práticas sociais de enlutados diante da morte no contexto da pandemia do novo coronavírus (2020-2022)

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic, instigated by the widely recognized "ew coronavirus," swiftly emerged as a pressing concern due to its rapid geographic dissemination and its significant rates of transmission and mortality. Measures implemented to mitigate COVID-19, such as restrictions on traditional funeral ceremonies and the adoption of virtual farewells in hospital settings, have disrupted customary funeral practices in Brazil. Consequently, several inquiries arise: How has the COVID-19 pandemic, acknowledged as a crisis situation regarding mental health and psychosocial support protocols, influenced societal perceptions and behaviors concerning death? What adaptations in grieving processes have occurred in response to the constraints imposed on traditional funeral customs, and how might these changes impact individuals' coping mechanisms? This exploratory study aims to explore the representations and social practices of individuals experiencing bereavement amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil, drawing on spontaneously published accounts on Twitter. Employing a longitudinal documentary research approach, the study integrates lexical and content analyses to construct "content networks." The discerned strong correlations among the narratives suggest the interconnectedness of various themes; understanding the complexity of pandemic mourning necessitates examining these elements collectively rather than in isolation. Termed by some as "double death," the unique challenges posed by pandemic mourning encompass both personal loss and broader societal implications. Through theoretical frameworks and analytical findings, the study identifies the intertwining of political dimensions and communal grieving processes in mourning for COVID-19 victims. Recognizing the interplay between sociopolitical factors and individual experiences enables the development of strategies to address the collective mourning experienced by the Brazilian population amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.