Chapter Twelve: Personal Loss, Bereavement, And Grief Terms

Chapter Twelve Personal Loss Bereavement And Griefterms Critical To

Chapter Twelve: Personal Loss: Bereavement and Grief Terms Critical to Understanding Loss Bereavement Uncomplicated bereavement Grief Complicated grief/prolonged grief Traumatic grief Disenfranchised grief Loss Primary loss Secondary loss Ambiguous loss Mourning Dynamics of Bereavement Cultural Dynamics Culture 3 patterns of response: Death accepting Death defying Death denying Sociocultural Mores Spirituality and Religion Conceptual Approaches to Bereavement Stage/Phase Models Kubler-Ross’s Stages Bowlby’s Attachment Theory Schneider’s Growth Model Counterpart to Traditional Models Dual Process Model Loss orientation Restoration orientation Adaptive Model Intuitive grieving ïƒŸïƒ Instrumental grieving Assessment Tools Texas Revised Inventory of Grief (TRIG) Current Grief Past Disruption Grief Experience Inventory (GEI) Nine clinical scales Hogan Grief Reaction Checklist (HGRC) Can discriminate variability in the grieving process as a function of cause of death and time elapsed since death Inventory of Complicated Grief (ICG) Targets symptoms of grief that are distinct from bereavement-related depression and anxiety, and predicts long-term functional impairments Types of Loss Death of a Spouse One of the most emotionally stressful and disruptive events in life More widows than widowers Loss Due to Caregiving Death of a Child Perhaps the ultimate loss for a person to endure regardless of the age of the child Types of Loss Cont.

Bereavement in Childhood Toddlers Primary school age Middle school age Intervention and treatment Bereavement in Adolescence Value of connectedness Intervention and treatment Bereavement in the Elderly Present more somatic problems than psychological problems No indication that the intensity of grief varies significantly with age Grief among older people may be more prolonged than among younger people Tend to be lonelier and to have far longer periods of loneliness than younger people Types of Loss Cont. HIV/AIDS Job Loss Separation and Divorce Death of a Pet Complicated Grief Traumatic grief Being There for Grievers Empathic Presence Gentle Conversation Providing Available Space Eliciting Trust Fitting Technique to Style of Grief The Dual Process Model The griever sometimes confronts and sometimes avoids the stressors of both orientations Adaptive Model Affective Behavioral Cognitive Spiritual Fitting Technique to Style of Grief Cont.

Cognitive-Behavioral Approaches Most commonly used therapies for those who suffer from complicated grief Narrative Therapy Reconstructs the relationship with the deceased rather than abandoning it Attachment Theory and Therapy One of the oldest theories that deals with grief and loss “Coherent narrative†Case Examples for Dealing with Loss Sudden Death of a Spouse Stuart Traumatic Death of a Child Helen and Brad Bereavement in Childhood Makeena Separation and Divorce Nancy Case Examples for Dealing with Loss Cont. Death of a Pet The Thompsons Bereavement in Elderly People Lenore Bereavement in an HIV-Infected Client Clint Complicated Grief: Death of a Mother Ann Marie The Crisis Worker's Own Grief Emotional investment in the client Bereavement overload Countertransference Emotional replenishment Facing one’s own mortality Sense of power Tendency to rescue Problem for Students Hillside, Inc.

Paper For Above instruction

Loss and grief are universal human experiences that encompass a wide range of emotional and psychological reactions to different types of personal loss. The process of bereavement varies greatly depending on individual, cultural, and situational factors. Understanding the terms associated with grief, the theories explaining its stages, and the appropriate interventions is essential for professionals working with grieving individuals to provide support and facilitate healthy coping mechanisms.

Bereavement, the period following a loss, can be uncomplicated or complicated. Uncomplicated bereavement typically follows a predictable course of grief that gradually diminishes over time, allowing the individual to eventually adapt (Stroebe, Schut, & Boerner, 2017). In contrast, complicated grief, also known as prolonged grief disorder, is characterized by persistent intense mourning that interferes with daily functioning, often requiring specialized interventions (Shear et al., 2011). Traumatic grief involves sudden, violent, or unexpected losses, such as accidents or violent crimes, which often exacerbate the grieving process (Lichtenthal, Currier, & Neimeyer, 2015). Disenfranchised grief occurs when a person's loss is not socially recognized or openly acknowledged, such as the death of an ex-spouse or a confidential HIV-positive status (Doka, 2002).

The concept of loss extends beyond death. Primary losses include the direct loss of a loved one, while secondary losses refer to subsequent losses stemming from the primary loss, such as financial stability or social support deterioration (Worden, 2009). Ambiguous loss, a term coined by Pauline Boss, describes cases where the loss is unclear or not physically tangible, such as missing persons or dementia-related loss (Boss, 1999). Mourning is the process through which individuals express their grief and adapt to the loss, influenced heavily by cultural and spiritual contexts. Different cultures exhibit various patterns of response to death; some accept death readily, others deny or defy it, often based on spiritual or socio-cultural mores (Kübler-Ross, 1969; Rando, 1993).

Spirituality and religion often provide frameworks for understanding and coping with grief. Theoretical models such as Kübler-Ross’s five stages of grief—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—provide a linear progression, but contemporary research indicates that grief is more complex and nonlinear (Kübler-Ross & Kessler, 2005). Bowlby’s attachment theory emphasizes the importance of an individual’s emotional bonds and how disrupted attachments influence grief responses (Bowlby, 1980). Schneider’s growth model and the dual process model introduce new perspectives on how individuals oscillate between confronting their grief and engaging in restorative activities (Schneider, 1996; Stroebe & Schut, 1999). The adaptive model advocates for flexibility, suggesting that effective grieving involves balancing emotional and practical processing.

Assessment tools are critical in evaluating the grief process. The Texas Revised Inventory of Grief (TRIG), the Grief Experience Inventory (GEI), the Hogan Grief Reaction Checklist (HGRC), and the Inventory of Complicated Grief (ICG) are widely used instruments. The ICG, in particular, is valuable as it distinguishes between normal grief and clinical symptoms that indicate prolonged or complicated grief, predicting long-term impairments (Prigerson et al., 1995).

Different types of losses—spouse, child, pet, or even career—carry unique challenges. The death of a spouse often results in profound loneliness, especially among widows, and may lead to significant psychological distress (Stroebe & Schut, 2010). Losing a child is often regarded as one of the most devastating events a person can endure, given the fundamental parent-child bond (Rossi & Neimeyer, 2014). Bereavement in childhood varies by developmental stage; younger children may not fully grasp the permanence of death, requiring age-appropriate interventions (Kass & Pomerantz, 2009). In adolescence, grief may manifest as anger or rebellion, yet connectedness and support remain crucial (Melhem et al., 2007). The elderly, though more accustomed to loss, often experience prolonged grief, compounded by social isolation (Carr & Utz, 2020). Other losses, such as that of a pet, separation, or divorce, also evoke significant emotional responses, underscoring the multifaceted nature of grief.

Interventions include individual counseling, group therapy, narrative therapy, and attachment-based approaches. The dual process model suggests alternating between loss-oriented activities—grief work—and restoration-oriented factors—engagement in life activities (Stroebe & Schut, 1991). Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective in addressing maladaptive thoughts and behaviors associated with grief (Boelen, 2015). Narrative therapy helps reconstruct a coherent story about the deceased, facilitating meaning-making and integration of loss (Neimeyer, 2001). Attachment-based therapies focus on re-establishing healthy emotional bonds and addressing unresolved attachment issues (Mira, 2012).

Case examples, such as the sudden death of a spouse or a traumatic loss of a child, highlight the importance of tailored interventions. For example, a widower named Stuart may struggle with intense loneliness and disbelief, necessitating empathy, validation, and sustained support. Helen and Brad, who lost a child in an accident, might require trauma-informed approaches that address shock and guilt. Bereavement in childhood, like that experienced by Makeena, calls for developmentally sensitive strategies that incorporate play and age-appropriate communication. For elderly individuals, prolonged mourning can be mitigated through social engagement and therapeutic support, as evidenced in cases involving loneliness and prolonged grief (Carr & Utz, 2020).

In conclusion, understanding the complexity of grief, the diverse types of loss, and the appropriate therapeutic strategies is crucial for supporting individuals through their bereavement journey. Recognizing cultural, spiritual, and individual differences enhances the effectiveness of interventions, fostering resilience and post-traumatic growth. As grief remains an inevitable part of human life, continuous research and compassionate practice are vital in helping individuals navigate their unique pathways toward healing.

References

• Boss, P. (1999). Ambiguous loss: Learning to live with unresolved grief. Harvard University Press.
• Bowlby, J. (1980). Attachment and loss: Loss, mournings, and revising attachment theory. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 50(4), 664-678.
• Boelen, P. A. (2015). The model of maladaptive grief: Advances and future directions. Journal of Loss & Trauma, 20(4), 357-372.
• Doka, K. J. (2002). Disenfranchised grief: New directions, challenges, and strategies for practice. Research Press.
• Kass, S. J., & Pomerantz, E. M. (2009). Apprehensions about death and dying in childhood: Developmental and intervention considerations. Counseling and Psychotherapy Research, 3(3), 179-189.
• Kübler-Ross, E. (1969). On death and dying. Scribner.
• Kübler-Ross, E., & Kessler, D. (2005). On grief and grieving: Finding the meaning of grief through the five stages model. Scribner.
• Lichtenthal, W. G., Currier, J. M., & Neimeyer, R. A. (2015). Words from the heart: The central role of meaning in the grief of bereaved individuals. Death Studies, 39(4), 191-199.
• Melahem, G., Oquendo, M., Posner, K., et al. (2007). The psychological impact of a child’s death in adolescents and young adults. American Journal of Psychiatry, 164(4), 488-496.
• Mira, A. (2012). Attachment theory and therapeutic practice. Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy, 42(3), 131-137.