Project

Death is one of the ubiquitous experiences in life. Everyone has or knows someone who has lost a loved-one. The loss of parent, spouse, child, or sibling is also quite an idiographic phenomenon, which requires the use of a versatile compendium of methods to investigate why, how, and under what circumstances loss can contribute to adverse physical and physiological health outcomes. The goal of this research program is to understand the relationship between death and loss, and physical health outcomes.

I would like to thank Dr. Jeffrey Ennis who passed away on April 21, 2019. This research program is dedicated to commemorate his continuous kindness, support, and mentorship throughout the years I knew him.

Planned Projects

1. Systematic Review of Meaning in Life and Physical Outcomes: What life changes occur after the diagnosis of a chronic medical condition? 
2. Commentary on Meaning in Life in Rehabilitation: How can meaning in life concepts improve rehabilitation program design and delivery?
3. Systematic Review on Spousal Loss and Physical/Physiological Outcomes: What physical, clinical, and physiological health outcomes or correlates are associated with spousal bereavement? 
4. Commentary on Stress and Attachment: How can the literature on stress, marital quality, and attachment be used to explain the widowhood effect and other adverse physical health outcomes?
5. Qualitative Evidence Synthesis on Meaning in Life, Loss, and Physical Health: How does meaning-making contribute to widows’ physical well-being? 
6. Qualitative Evidence Synthesis on Post-Traumatic Growth: What are the common dimensions of post-traumatic growth after loss?
7. Qualitative Evidence Synthesis on Loss through Suicide: How do individuals who experience loss through suicide make meaning?
8. Qualitative Evidence Synthesis on Anticipatory Grief: How does anticipatory grief differ between distinct medical conditions

Publications

*indicates supervising/corresponding author

• Sajan M, Kakar K, Majid U*. (2021). Social interactions while grieving suicide loss: a qualitative review of 58 studies. The Family Journal. https://doi.org/10.1177/10664807211052492
• Majid U*, Akande A. (2021). Managing Anticipatory Grief in Family and Partners: A Systematic Review and Qualitative Meta-Synthesis. Journal of Family: Counseling and Therapy for Couples and https://doi.org/10.1177/10664807211000715
• Majid U*, Ennis J. (2020). Continuing the Connection” or “Carrying On”? A Qualitative Evidence Synthesis of How Widows Explain the Physical Health Outcomes After Spousal Loss.” Journal of Family: Counseling and Therapy for Couples and Families. https://doi.org/10.1177/1066480720973417
• Majid U*, Akande A. (2020). Am I more likely to die while I am grieving? An introduction to the physical health outcomes associated with Prolonged Grief Disorder. RehabINK. https://rehabinkmag.com/2020/06/12/am-i-more-likely-to-die-while-im-grieving-prolonged-grief-disorder-and-its-physical-health-consequences/
• Ennis J, Majid U*. (2020). The Widowhood Effect: Explaining the Adverse Outcomes After Spousal Loss Using Physiological Stress Theories, Marital Quality, and Attachment. Journal of Family: Counseling and Therapy for Couples and Families. 28(3): 241-246. https://doi.org/10.1177%2F1066480720929360
• Ennis J, Majid U*. (2019). “Death from a Broken Heart”: A Systematic Review of the Relationship between Spousal Bereavement and Physical and Physiological Health Outcomes. Death Studies. https://doi.org/10.1080/07481187.2019.1661884
• Majid U*, Ennis J. (2019). The Use of “Meaning in Life” to Monitor Clinical Outcomes in Rehabilitation Programs. RehabINK. Retrieved from: https://rehabinkmag.com/2019/06/12/the-use-of-meaning-in-life-to-monitor-clinical-outcomes-in-rehabilitation-programs/
• Majid U*, Ennis J. (2018). The Role of Meaning in Life in Adjustment to a Chronic Medical Condition: A Review. EC Psychology and Psychiatry. 7(12): 1023-1030. Retrieved from: https://www.ecronicon.com/ecpp/pdf/ECPP-07-00371.pdf