235: [Emotions And Writing Series] Grief And Writing

Sep 17, 2024

Grief significantly impacts academic work in various ways. Losing access to research sites can derail writing efforts. Changes within institutions pose emotional challenges that affect productivity. The loss of colleagues can complicate collaborative projects, making it hard to move forward. Real-life examples illustrate how academics navigate these losses. Practical advice is offered for managing grief, including strategies for research pivots and the importance of reflective thinking to regain focus.

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Navigating Grief in Academic Writing

00:00 • 12min

Navigating Grief in Academic Research and Writing

11:31 • 21min

Today's episode is part of the Emotions and Writing podcast series. I delve into the topic of grief and its impact on academic work.

This episode explores three key areas where grief can manifest in research and academic roles:

Loss of Research: I examine how losing access to a research site or experiencing other research disruptions can profoundly affect academic writing.
Institutional Loss: This segment discusses the emotional challenges associated with changes in academic institutions, such as mergers or reorganizations.
Loss of Colleagues: I cover the grief of losing colleagues and mentors, including the difficulties of continuing collaborative projects or publications after a co-author's passing.

Throughout the episode, I share real-life examples from coaching clients and offer insights on how to navigate these challenging situations. I underscore the importance of addressing grief and seeking support to navigate loss. Finally, I offer practical advice for managing grief and its impact on writing, including strategies for research pivots and the need for reflective thinking.

For full show notes visit scholarsvoice.org/podcast/235.

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