Concepts and Controversies in Grief and Loss

Abstract

Although grief is a universal experience, the ways in which it occurs are not universally agreed upon. In fact, there is considerable controversy about the "normal" duration of grief, its expected outcome, and its course. Although most grieving adults will achieve a sense of normalcy at some point, others seem not to do so. Continuing impairment by grief raises a question: Is the experience qualitatively different from normal grief or is it different only in degree? This article discusses grief conceptualizations, including that of complicated grief, and approaches to grief counseling.

Social support and psychological well-being as possible predictors of complicated grief in a cross-section of people in mourning. [Apoyo social y bienestar psicológico como posibles predictores de estado de duelo complicado en poblac de personas en duelo]

“…This is normal and is called mourning (Bermejo, 2005;Howarth, 2011). Sometimes the intensity or the course of the grieving process is altered.…”

Escala de mitos en duelo. Relación con el estilo de afrontamiento evitativo y validación psicométrica

“…En la literatura existente, se advierte de la precaución que se ha de tener con aquellas personas que reprimen sus emociones ya que puede ser un indicador a largo plazo de un posible duelo complicado o patológico (Amurrio y Limonero, 2007;Howarth, 2011). También se ha observado que las estrategias centradas en la emoción son más efectivas que las centradas en el problema (Hobfoll, Dunahoo, Ben-Porath y Monnier, 1994), porque en un proceso de pérdida la fuente fundamental de estrés no puede revertirse.…”

“…This stage is called duel and it is a normal and necessary process (Howarth, 2011). However, there are many factors playing an important role in the elaboration of grief.…”

Predictors in Complicated Grief: Supporting Families in Palliative Care Dealing with Grief

“…Although it has been widely studied, there is still disagreement about the definition of grieving (Howarth, 2011).…”

“…Among the terms that have been used in the bereavement literature to describe atypical grief are: complicated grief (CG); traumatic bereavement; childhood traumatic grief; and, lastly, prolonged grief disorder (PGD) (Howarth, 2011).…”