Cognition in Adult Bereavement: Preliminary Findings From Five Hospice Bereavement Focus Groups

Abstract

Grief is an experience of both common and unique responses (Hooyman & Kramer, 2006). Grief affects people in various ways including emotionally, cognitively, socially, physically, and spiritually (Corr, 2007; Doka, 2014). Little has been published on the cognitive domain of loss affecting attention, and concentration of bereaved adults. This qualitative study explored these effects among adults in one hospice bereavement program in Central Texas. Five focus groups included facilitated bereavement topical conversations resulting in descriptions of memory, concentration, and attention deficits after loss. These results suggested that participation in bereavement programming may normalize the experience facilitating cognitive task accomplishment. Referrals for bereavement care may be appropriate in order to facilitate equilibrium in individual's lives following a significant death.

An Examination of Cognitive Function Abilties in Bereaved Adults

“…Although Harris et al (2015) identified sleep as potentially related to a decline in cognitive function during bereavement, our study did not support these findings. One explanation may be the difference in study design.…”

“…Furthermore, using findings from a qualitative study, our study also quantitatively examined sleep in relation to cognitive function in bereavement. 15 Finally, self-efficacy to manage emotions, a novel concept, was explored in relation to The psychological factors, anxiety and depression, have been demonstrated to be a separate and distinct experience from grief. 9 Thus, we used both variables in our model.…”

“…Furthermore, using findings from a qualitative study, our study also quantitatively examined sleep in relation to cognitive function in bereavement. 15 Finally, self-efficacy to manage emotions, a novel concept, was explored in relation to cognitive function. The results offer new insights on what factors may influence cognitive function in bereaved adults and provide information to consider during the development of bereavement programs.…”

“…12 One qualitative study explored the narrative surrounding cognitive function and bereavement. 15 Adults participating in a hospice bereavement program self-identified problems with concentration and attention as well as memory changes. For some participants, difficulties with cognition were present for up to two years following their loss.…”

The Role of Massage in Bereavement: A Scoping Review

“…Interestingly, while a number of publications mentioned treating safely [2,3,20] not one publication mentioned the potential for bereaved individuals to have increased vulnerability. The importance of this is paramount as vulnerable individuals may not be able to communicate their needs as efficiently as non-bereaved individuals making miscommunication more likely to occur [29,30]. In addition, bereaved individuals may be more vulnerable to trauma (either emotionally, verbally or physically) and therapists need to be aware of their actions to limit any possible trauma [31].…”