Preloss grief in family members of COVID-19 patients: Recommendations for clinicians and researchers.

Abstract

Researchers have long examined grief-related reactions to the diagnosis of a loved one with a terminal illness, including preloss grief (PLG), which is the experience of grief symptoms prior to the loss of a loved one. Families face novel challenges when loved ones with COVID-19 become critically ill—most notably mandated physical separation—and may experience a wide range of PLG responses. This commentary examines the existing literature related to PLG as a means for understanding the psychological impact of COVID-19 deaths, identifies factors professionals can assess for and address when working with a family member of COVID-19 patients, and identifies areas for future research related to COVID-19 and PLG.

Bereavement in Times of COVID-19: A Review and Theoretical Framework

“…J. Moore et al., 2020; Morris et al. 2020; Singer et al., 2020; Sun et al., 2020; Usher et al., 2020; Wallace et al., 2020; Zhai & Du, 2020). For example, Carr et al.…”

“…(2020) describe features of the COVID-19 experience which potentially compound bereavement difficulties in adjustment. Singer et al. (2020) and Wallace et al.…”

“…J. Moore et al., 2020). Others have described specific provisions for care, including the use of palliative care tools and psychological strategies (e.g., Morris et al., 2020), and extending concern to predeath needs of those who become bereaved (e.g., Singer et al., 2020). Responses to mass bereavement at the system level have been reviewed, to inform service provision and policy making during the COVID-19 pandemic (Harrop et al., 2020), while Maddrell (2020) gives an unusual geographic analysis to locate existing inequalities and failures of governance across geographic areas, to further wellbeing and work toward changing policy interventions.…”

“…Some authors have described aspects of idiosyncratic and/or unprecedented reactions relating to bereavement (e.g., Carr et al, 2020;Gesi et al, 2020;Kelly, 2020;Kokou-Kpolou et al, 2020;K. J. Moore et al, 2020;Morris et al 2020;Singer et al, 2020;Sun et al, 2020;Usher et al, 2020;Wallace et al, 2020;Zhai & Du, 2020). For example, Carr et al (2020) describe features of the COVID-19 experience which potentially compound bereavement difficulties in adjustment.…”

“…For example, Carr et al (2020) describe features of the COVID-19 experience which potentially compound bereavement difficulties in adjustment. Singer et al (2020) and Wallace et al (2020) also cover pre-death, anticipatory reactions. Kelly (2020) and Walsh (2020) discuss implications for families and Sun et al (2020) mental health care issues and how to deal with them.…”