Year: 2011
Type: article
Abstract: The word bereavement is derived from an ancient Germanic root word meaning “to rob” or “to seize by violence. ” After the death of a loved one, a void takes the place of a once vibrant life. This experience can be devastating for the survivor, who must find a way to adapt to this new reality. Bereavement refers to the period of mourning and grief following a death (“Bereavement, ” n.d.). Grief is a universal emotion; nonetheless, the experience of grief is highly personal. Bereavement is a relatively slow and uneven process, and individual responses often reflect personal variables such as personality, cultural practices, and the symbolic magnitude of the death (Love, 2007). Therefore, it is impossible for health care providers to place a prescriptive timeline on the process. Bereavement should be viewed as a normal, natural human experience, one which can be overcome with time. While most people do not require special interventions, a minority will struggle with their grief, and a debilitating disorder may ensue. Adjustment Disorder Related to Bereavement is a new diagnosis that identifies a subgroup of mourners who are not likely to improve simply with time and informal support (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2011). This disorder is characterized by unrelenting grief, and is associated with serious long-term health consequences,
Author: Lydia M. Greis
Institution: St. Catherine University
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W60629741