Death Stud. 2026 Jul 21:1-15. doi: 10.1080/07481187.2026.2704584. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
China is undergoing significant demographic changes and social transformation. Shidu older adults, defined as individuals aged 60 and above who have lost their only child under the one-child policy and have not had or adopted another, experience profound psychological trauma and identity disruption. Traditional support systems offer limited assistance. In contrast, online social platforms present new opportunities for grief expression and empathetic engagement. This study employs narrative analysis and digital text analysis to examine language practices and interactional patterns in online mutual aid groups. The findings suggest that digital storytelling facilitates a transition from silent suffering to the reconstruction of meaning. Through repeated narration, participants restore coherence to their life stories and regain a sense of belonging within collective narratives. Ongoing interactions contribute to a system of social healing in which grief becomes a shared emotional experience. The study demonstrates that digital narratives can alleviate psychological distress and support the regeneration of social support networks. These findings have theoretical implications for emotional care and digital mental health interventions in aging societies.
PMID:42480092 | DOI:10.1080/07481187.2026.2704584