Creativity and

MourningKatelynn Sousa

Music• Songs about death• Gospel singing at

funerals• Used to evoke

emotion and bring a sense of closure

• Falls under a “venting” style of coping

Exercise• Ties into “self

actualization” coping mechanism

• Seeking improvement out of missing part of life

• Acts as a distraction and relaxer

Painting• Works so a similar

fashion of writing and performing music with emotional attachments.

• More of a process that emulates the process of coping with loss

Yoga• Similar to exercise,

but promotes more of a lifestyle.

• Promotes inner peace with one’s self

• Different mindset, balance of energy

• Self acceptance

Volunteering• Gives a sense of

fulfillment in a time of loss

• Noticeable and instant gratification

• More of a “go to” method of coping

Companionship• Human or animal• Gives another

purpose in life if one feels that it’s lost

• Fills a void in one’s life

Knitting• Very similar to

painting• Symbolizes a long

process and journey to recovery

• Accurate task to keep ones mind occupied

Cleaning• Cleaning can be

seen as a “cleansing”

• Cleansing of either guilt or loss

Puzzles• Fulfills a problem

solving coping aspect• Natural urge to solve

the problem at hand• Keep the mourner

busy• Sense of

accomplishment when solved

Cooking• Cooking

symbolizes bringing life

• Creation of something new

• Food is comfort, fills an empty feeling

Citations• http://www.quora.com/Why-were-Africa

n-American-singers-so-much-more-soulful

• http://www.semel.ucla.edu/dual-diagnosis-program/News_and_Resources/How_Do_You_Cope