THE PAINFUL UNFINISHED GRIEF FOR MISSING PEOPLE’S FAMILY MEMBERS

MADRES DE PLAZA DE MAYO AND MÃES DA SÉ

Abstract

Experiencing the disappearance of a person represents a phenomenon of painful existential rupture and intense psychological suffering for loved ones due to the lack of answers, daily uncertainty about their status as alive or dead, and the authorities’neglect. With this article, we seek to shed light on this largely undervalued topic, especially because it is often not legally considered a police matter, yet it has such a deleterious impact on all those who experience it directly and/or indirectly. To this end, we conducted this qualitative bibliographical study with a basic, exploratory objective, developed from scientific materials extracted from the Scientific Electronic Library (SciELO) journal repository, using specific descriptors and key books from other sources. As a result, we were able to identify not only the persistent grief felt but also some strategies for transcending it personally and collectively. We conclude that this investigation serves as another tool to draw the attention of peers and laypeople to this public safety issue that abruptly, insidiously, and silently affects the lives of so many family members and friends of victims, devastated by the pain and uncertainty of loss.