A Relational Perspective on Social Support Between Bereaved and Their Networks After Terror: A Qualitative Study

The aim of this study is to increase the understanding of social network support after traumatic deaths and, by demonstrating the complexities of such encounters, to highlight whether such support may be totally beneficial. A phenomenological dynamic and relational perspective was applied to 22 in-depth interviews with parents bereaved as a result of the 2011 terror attack in Norway. Three main themes were identified in respect of interactional support processes: (a) valued support, (b) stressful experiences, and (c) interactive barriers. As well as describing the value of experienced support, the article also elaborates on the effect of lacking, avoidant, and inept support. The findings show that insecure communication and a nonmatching understanding of time and emotional overload can form interactive barriers between the bereaved and their networks. By better understanding the relational regulation processes inherent in social support we may provide informed advice to both the bereaved and their networks to maximize recovery.

When Subcategorization Facilitates Group Cohesion

This paper analyzes the conditions under which groups composed of two opposing factions are able to preserve group cohesion and subgroup opinion divisions simultaneously. Results from two experimental studies conducted with small interactive groups showed that groups with opposing factions were able to preserve subgroup divergence without jeopardizing superordinate group cohesion. A process termed relational regulation of ingroup opinion divisions explains these findings: The more group members perceived the group as promoting good relations, the more they maintained or even radicalized their initial opinions. In contrast, in an experimental context in which opinion divergences were not reinforced by subcategorization, we observed convergence toward a unique group position destined to maintain group cohesion that was independent of the perceived relational norm.