Investigation of the relationship between continuing bonds and adjustment after the death of a first-degree family member by using the Multidimensional Continuing Bonds Scale

Associations Between the Cause of Loved One's Death, Mourner's Psychological Distress and Ongoing Relationship With the Deceased, and Mourner's Posttraumatic Growth

The current study focused on the associations between the cause of a loved one's death, mourner's emotional distress, mourner's ongoing relationship with the deceased, and posttraumatic growth (PTG). The sample comprised 91 Israeli mourners following death due to traffic accident, military service, or prolonged illness. Participants completed questionnaires assessing psychological distress, ongoing relationship with the deceased, and PTG. Findings showed that in traffic-accident deaths, mourners reported higher psychological distress and preoccupation with the deceased compared to that reported by the other mourner groups. Moreover, psychological distress mediated the association between the cause of death and PTG. The findings emphasize the differences between the mourner groups.

Continuing Bonds in grieving men: A comparative description of Costa Rica and Spain

Continuing Bonds among grieving men from Costa Rica and Spain were compared, with the primary hypothesis that there would be significant differences between the two groups. A descriptive, comparative, and cross-sectional research study was conducted. Non-probability and convenience sampling was employed, involving 227 grieving men who completed an online questionnaire comprising sociodemographic data, mediators of mourning, and the Continuing Bonds Scale. The results did not reveal significant differences in Continuing Bonds expressions. However, upon controlling for the interaction between degree of kinship with the deceased person, notable differences emerged in Continuing Bonds and internalized and externalized Continuing Bonds (p < 0.05). The influence of sociocultural factors in each country on Continuing Bonds expressions is considered. The findings could support the development of strategies centered on grieving men, Continuing Bonds, and their specific needs.

"I Want My Loved One Back Virtually": Exploring the Desire of Bereaved People to Create and Maintain Digital Bonds With Their Deceased Loved Ones

With the rapid development of digital technology in recent years, virtual funerals and the reproduction of deceased persons in digital spaces have become possible. However, few empirical studies have been conducted on this topic. This study assessed the attitudes of bereaved people toward digital bonds with their deceased relatives, and explored related factors. A survey was administered to bereaved, middle-aged Japanese citizens who had lost a first-degree relative within the previous 10 years. The results showed that most respondents did not seek digital bonds, but nearly 20% wanted to be reunited with their deceased in a digital space. The desire to maintain digital bonds was significantly related to other variables, such as the deceased's age and years since their death. Regression analysis revealed that the desire for digital bonds predicted complicated grief 5 months later. The findings suggest that digital bonds may influence post-bereavement maladjustment.

The impact of continuing bonds following bereavement: A systematic review

Following bereavement, continuing bonds (CBs) include engaging with memories, illusions, sensory and quasi-sensory perceptions, hallucinations, communication, actions, and belief that evoke an inner relationship with the deceased. To date, the literature has been unable to confirm whether retaining, rather than relinquishing, bonds is helpful. A mixed studies systematic literature search explored how CBs affect grief. Studies on the effect or experience of CBs on adjustment following bereavement were eligible for inclusion. Six computerized databases were searched. A total of 79 of 319 screened studies were included. Three themes were derived from the thematic analysis: (1) comfort and distress, (2) ongoing bonds and relational identity, and (3) uncertainty, conceptualizing, and spirituality. Themes describe the role of CBs for the accommodation of the death story, transformation of the relationship, meaning reconstruction, identity processes, and affirmation of spiritual belief. Results shed light on the adaptive potentials for CBs.