UDTR Global Rights of Nature Radar

Digital mutual aid narrative healing practices: Solace among bereaved Shidu older adults in China

Identification

Public canonical key

radar:r-d7ef9fa9e4153f2b81cf46b67f4e2bb5

Authors

Qianru Xu · S. H. Abu Bakar Ah · Jiankun Gong · S. M. Mohd Faizal Lim

Reported year

2026

Reported language

en

Source type

article

First detected

2026-11-13T12:50:27.721357+00:00

Last metadata observation

2026-11-13T12:50:27.721357+00:00

Last HTTP verification

Not checked

Institutions reported by the source

University of Malaya

Reported affiliation countries

MY

Documentary abstract — original language

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.

Identifiers

OPENALEX

https://openalex.org/W7169863546

DOI

10.1080/07481187.2026.2704584

PMID

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42480092

Documentary context

Documentary family

article

Source-reported types

article

Publishers

Taylor & Francis

Entity mentions are not evidence of legal recognition. Jurisdiction studied is separate from author affiliation country.

Sources

OpenAlex · Record 1

• Document · https://doi.org/10.1080/07481187.2026.2704584

Documentary status

Relevance pending

Library

This identity is not yet included in the Legal Library.