Together in silence

This thesis highlights the individual impact of collective remembrance and ritual action in relation to mental health. It aims to better understand the relationship between commemoration, clinical symptoms (such as post-traumatic stress or persistent grief) and emotional responses. It also aims to further unravel for whom and under what circumstances commemoration can contribute to coping with war experiences and loss. Findings from six studies, including both quantitative and qualitative research methods, are described. The first section focuses on collective commemorative events organised after the end of war, genocide or large-scale violence. Specific attention is given to the experiences of children and war-affected migrants during the Dutch Commemoration of the Dead, a commemoration rooted in World War II. The second part focuses on funerals and mourning rituals to commemorate the death of a loved one, including experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Overall, this thesis shows that collective commemoration, despite stress-related symptoms and negative feelings, can be very meaningful for individuals and society. Experiencing support, connectedness, recognition and meaning-making plays a key role in enhancing positive feelings, thus commemorations can contribute to coping with war experiences and loss. The findings have important implications and recommendations for future research, clinical practice, policy advice and institutions responsible for organising commemorations.