Meaning-Making as A Coping Mechanism in Grief

Abstract

Meaning-making is the process of finding personal significance in life challenges by creating a sense of coherence and emotional resolution. Drawing on Viktor Frankl’s logotherapy, this paper looks at how meaning-making can help individuals adapt in the context of grief. Through a review of existing research, the paper examines the components of this coping mechanism, efficacy and utility in various grief-centric contexts and interventions. The findings support meaning-making as an effective tool for emotional regulation, psychological adjustment, and identity repair following bereavement. Core mechanisms included sense-making, benefit-finding, continuing bonds, and narrative reconstruction. These processes were linked to reduced symptoms of Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD), greater resilience, and increased post-traumatic growth (PTG). Cultural and spiritual influences were further shown to shape how meaning is created. Interventions like Meaning-Centered Grief Therapy, rooted in narrative and existential approaches, were found effective.