Students dealing with loss of important rites of passage

WHAT: Large gatherings are prohibited due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, in-person commencements are canceled for many university students finishing their education. Graduation ceremonies, spring sports seasons and proms are no longer possible for high school seniors.

Heather Servaty-Seib.
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EXPERT: Heather Servaty-Seib is a Purdue University professor who researches loss and grief experiences in both death and non-death situations. She can speak to the importance of acknowledging the losses and recognizing the grief that occurs when these important rites of passage cannot be practiced in their traditional forms.

QUOTE:  “Grief is not specific to death. As humans we grieve all types of non-death losses, and that includes situations where expected and anticipated rites of passage can no longer occur — at least not occur in the same way. We need to challenge ourselves to be creative in modifying these rites of passage — to develop approaches that still allow for meaningful ritual and community connection.” 

MORE INFORMATION

• Professor in counseling psychology in the College of Education.
• Leads the university’s grief and loss research team, focusing on a variety of death and non-death loss experiences (e.g., divorce, romantic breakup, sports injury).
• Associate dean for student life in the Purdue Honors College. 

CONTACT

Writer: Brian Huchel, 765-494-2084, bhuchel@purdue.edu

Source: Heather Servaty-Seib, 765-404-6345, servaty@purdue.edu

Note to Journalists: A photo of Heather Servaty-Seib, as well as a stock image, are available on Google Drive.