This study explored the grief experiences of surviving family with immediate family member death in Mountain Province, Cordillera Region, Philippines, focusing on differences in grief levels based on family roles, gender, cause of death of immediate family member, and ethnicity, as well as identifying coping strategies. Using an Explanatory Sequential Mixed-Method (ESMM) design, quantitative data were collected from 380 respondents through the Grief Experience Questionnaire, while qualitative data were gathered from 15 participants and analyzed using Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis. Findings revealed that the overall level of grief of the participants was low, with significant differences in grief based on family roles, gender, and cause of death, but not ethnicity. Mothers exhibited higher levels of grief, including somatic reactions and a stronger search for explanations, compared to fathers and children. Females generally reported higher grief levels than males, and grief was more pronounced among those who experienced sudden death compared to lingering illnesses. Coping strategies were categorized into intrapersonal and socio-spiritual mechanisms. Intrapersonal strategies included pre-accepting the death to lessen the suffering, distracting oneself, employing self-care strategies, introspective questioning, recalling memories of the deceased, and appreciating the present and acceptance. Socio-spiritual mechanisms highlighted the role of practicing cultural rituals, receiving socio- emotional support, and praying and being faithful to God in fostering emotional resilience and spiritual healing. The study concludes that while grief is a universal experience, its intensity varies by demographic factors, and coping mechanisms are multifaceted, combining personal resilience with social and spiritual support. Recommendations include encouraging family- centered counseling and psychotherapy to address complex emotions, developing tailored grief support programs sensitive to demographic differences, and promoting community-based and socio-spiritual support systems through local government initiatives. These strategies aim to reduce isolation and foster collective and individual resilience among grieving families.

Keywords: grief experience, coping mechanism, family death, somatic reaction, intrapersonal mechanism, socio-spiritual mechanism, cultural ritual