ABSTRACT
Emotional theorists identify at least eight primary emotions, and propose that additional emotions are produced by blends of primary emotions and variations in intensity. Several specific emotions relating to cemetery visitation were revealed in the recent Bereavement Study. The most closely related of these emotions were then clustered into two major groups, or primary emotions, which are here identified as “Sorrow” and “Solace.” Sadness was the most common cemetery visitation emotion found within the sorrow group, and the most frequently expressed of all emotions. Seeking solace was also identified as one of the principal reasons for cemetery visitation, with almost as many mourners referring to emotions of solace in relation to visiting a grave or memorial as mentioned sorrow. The emotion of loss within the cemetery is evidently influenced by several variables, including the personality of the bereaved, relationship of the decedent, circumstances of the death, and the duration of bereavement.
