死の儀式を通した家族関係再構築プロセスの検討

―僧侶を対象にしたインタビュー調査から―

抄録

　　The purpose of this study was to map the process of rebuilding family relationships through rituals after the death of a family member. Participants were ten Buddhist priests. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and analyzed using modified grounded theory.

　　Findings resulted in a model with five stages: “attitudes toward the ritual,” “grappling with bereavement,” “the Buddhist priest’s approach,” “rebuilding,” and “collapsing.” These stages were further subdivided into 47 concepts. The main findings were as follows.

　　First, family members have either a positive or negative attitude toward rituals. If a family member dies, the family performs a funeral ritual. This ritual allows them to face the reality of the death and their emotions. A Buddhist priest approaches the family of the deceased at this point, and the family members rebuild their relationships through the ritual along with the Buddhist priest, other mourners, and the deceased.

　　Thus, two conclusions can be reached. First, family members rebuild their relationships and stabilize them through communication with a Buddhist priest, other mourners, and the deceased. Whether they have a positive attitude toward the ritual does not matter. Second, rituals for the deceased are meaningful to family members because thinking of death allows them to sense the preciousness of life.