The grief cycle: investigating the influence of cycling on grief outcomes in individuals who have experienced a bereavement

Abstract

Background: There is a lack of research that investigates the influence of physical activity on grief outcomes. This research aimed to examine the influence of cycling on grief outcomes in individuals who have experienced a bereavement. Method: Semi-structured interviews with 14 participants (n = 8 males; age M = 47.5 years) who engaged in cycling behaviour and had experienced a bereavement. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to guide analysis. Results: Four key themes were generated, providing: an 1) Embodied experience of cycling, within the 2) Cycling community, helping to provide support, alongside the 3) Nature connectedness, which led to 4) Post traumatic growth, following bereavement. Conclusion: Evidence suggest that cycling can provide an opportunity for a physical challenge, an immense connection to nature and a community of support from likeminded individuals. These therapeutic qualities of cycling should be considered for future interventions and adds novel findings to the area of cycling, bereavement and grief.