Attachment insecurities, continuing bonds, and grief among family caregivers of terminally ill cancer patients: A longitudinal study
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: The present study investigated the associations among pre-loss grief, relational closeness, attachment insecurities, continuing bonds (CBs) with the deceased person, and the post-loss adjustment of the caregivers of patients with terminal cancer. METHODS: Data were collected in the hospice department of a cancer center in northern Taiwan; 66 bereaved caregivers completed both pre-loss and post-loss scales. The measures used for the pre-loss phase included the Hogan Grief Reaction Checklist (HGRC; pre-loss version), the Experiences in Close Relationship - Relationship Structures Questionnaire (ECR-RS), and the Inclusion of Other in the Self Scale. The measures used 6-12 months after the death of the patients were the HGRC (post-loss version) and the Continuing Bond Scale (CBS). RESULTS: Pre-loss grief and externalized CBs had a significant impact on the amount of post-loss grief, indicating that pre-loss grief and ongoing transformation of relationships after patients' death may be predictors of caregivers' post-loss grieving. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: This longitudinal study provides preliminary evidence that pre-loss grief and the relationship with the patient are key to caregivers' post-loss adjustment, suggesting that psychosocial intervention focuses on caregivers' pre-loss grief and relationship quality with the patient during palliative care.
Source: Palliative & Supportive Care
Authors: Wan-Lin Lee, Yaw-Sheng Lin, Emily T. Liu, Chih-Tao Cheng, Shu Kao
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,550
OpenAlex ID: W4412492641