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Shevlin M, Redican E, Karatzias T, Hyland P. Testing the distinctiveness of prolonged grief disorder from posttraumatic stress disorder and depression in large bereaved community samples. J Affect Disord 2024; 363:214-220. [PMID: 39047948 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.07.127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study sought to test the distinctiveness of symptoms of prolonged grief disorder (PGD) from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. METHODS Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and target exploratory factor analysis (EFA), were used to test the distinctiveness of PGD from PTSD and depression symptoms in a large sample of adults bereaved for at least six months (N = 1917). Identified factors were explored in relation to demographic (i.e., age, gender) and loss-related (i.e., time since bereavement, nature of death, relationship to deceased, age of deceased, and frequency of contact with deceased) correlates. RESULTS The CFA model provided a good fit to the data, while the target EFA provided a slightly improved fit. All items loading strongly and significantly onto their respectively factors, and the IGQ items had few significant cross-factor loadings. All demographic and loss-related variables (except for death of a sibling and death from other causes) were associated with each of the factors, however, these associations were strongest for the PGD factor. LIMITATIONS Participants were recruited using a non-probability sampling method and were from a relatively affluent Western nation. CONCLUSION Findings from the current study demonstrate that PGD reflects an empirically distinguishable albeit related disorder to PTSD and depression in a sample of bereaved adults. The identification of correlates common to PGD, PTSD, and depression, as well as those unique to PGD, affords a comprehensive understanding of the risk factors associated with bereavement-related psychopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Shevlin
- School of Psychology, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, UK.
| | - Enya Redican
- School of Psychology, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, UK.
| | - Thanos Karatzias
- School of Health & Social Care, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Philip Hyland
- Department of Psychology, Maynooth University, Kildare, Ireland.
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Brookman R, Harris CB, O'Connor M. A role for event centrality in prolonged grief disorder. Sci Rep 2024; 14:22093. [PMID: 39333578 PMCID: PMC11437053 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-72754-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 09/10/2024] [Indexed: 09/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Having a traumatic or negative event at the centre of one's identity is associated with adverse psychological outcomes including post-traumatic stress, depression, and prolonged grief disorder (PGD). However, direct investigation of the role of centrality of a bereavement-event in the maintenance of PGD symptoms is scarce and has not compared immediate and long-term changes in event centrality nor examined the nature of the loss. Data from bereaved partners and adult children in The Aarhus Bereavement Study at four time points over 26 months post-loss were included in this study. Participants completed a PGD symptom measure and the Centrality of Events Scale (CES) on each occasion. Results suggest that bereaved partners had higher PGD and CES scores than bereaved adult children at all four post-bereavement time points. Regardless of relationship type, maintaining higher CES scores over time predicted PGD symptoms, over and above initial symptoms. Our findings suggest a risk factor for maintaining PGD symptoms is the continued centrality of the bereavement to ones' life story and autobiographical memory. This finding links the mechanisms for maintaining PGD symptoms to those involved in other disorders such as post-traumatic stress, with implications for theoretical models of prolonged grief as well as treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Brookman
- The MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Celia B Harris
- The MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Maja O'Connor
- Unit for Bereavement Research, Department of Psychology and Behavioural Sciences, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
- Unit for Psycho-Oncology and Health Psychology, Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- The Danish National Center for Grief, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Yousefali P, Zarani F, Boelen PA, Zabihzadeh A, Panaghi L, Ghorkhanehchi R. Experiences of Iranian people who lost a partner in road traffic collisions: A descriptive phenomenology. DEATH STUDIES 2024:1-14. [PMID: 39235918 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2024.2400370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
This study explores the experiences of Iranian bereaved spouses who lost partners in Road Traffic Collisions (RTCs) one to three years earlier. Seventeen participants were interviewed using purposive sampling. Three central themes emerged: (1) "The unfillable void," revealing the profound emptiness experienced by the bereaved, the factors that maintain this void, and the challenges in accepting human-induced deaths as fate. This leads to difficulties in finding meaning in the loss, resulting in anger and seeking revenge; (2) "The Iranian mourning," exploring cultural impacts such as Chehelom, alongside confronting loneliness that ensues after this period ends, and the cultural stigma faced by the bereaved; (3) "One's perspective on life," highlighting personal growth amid adversity. The study emphasizes the necessity for culturally sensitive support services and suggests psychological therapies addressing feelings of retaliation and fury. These insights offer valuable contributions to understanding bereavement in diverse cultural contexts, informing legislators and healthcare professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parastou Yousefali
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fariba Zarani
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Paul A Boelen
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- ARQ National Psychotrauma Centre, Diemen, the Netherlands
| | - Abbas Zabihzadeh
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Leili Panaghi
- Department of Family health, Family Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rasoul Ghorkhanehchi
- Master's in Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Bolaséll LT, Abadi AM, Brunnet AE, Kristensen CH, Eisma MC. Correlates of prolonged grief, posttraumatic stress and depression symptoms in Brazilian COVID-19 bereaved adults. DEATH STUDIES 2024:1-10. [PMID: 39067005 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2024.2381775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
The Coronavirus pandemic has hit Brazil exceptionally hard, with more than 700.000 confirmed deaths due to COVID-19, corresponding to an estimated 6.3 million bereaved people. Yet, the mental health consequences among COVID-19 bereaved Brazilians, and the associated loss-related variables have been largely unexplored. Therefore, we aimed to clarify the associations of loss-related characteristics and circumstances with prolonged grief, posttraumatic stress, and depression symptoms experienced by COVID-19-bereaved Brazilian adults. A sample of 371 Brazilian COVID-19 bereaved adults (90% women) completed an online survey. The loss of a partner or first-degree relative, a positive assessment of the healthcare received by the deceased, and the perceived helpfulness of hospital visits in the grief process significantly correlated with prolonged grief and posttraumatic stress symptoms. The findings suggest that farewell ceremonies and positive hospital care experiences may mitigate distress among COVID-19-bereaved Brazilian adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura T Bolaséll
- Centre for Studies and Research in Traumatic Stress (NEPTE), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Alice M Abadi
- Centre for Studies and Research in Traumatic Stress (NEPTE), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Alice E Brunnet
- CLIPSYD, Department of Psychology, Université Paris-Nanterre, Nanterre, France
| | - Christian H Kristensen
- Centre for Studies and Research in Traumatic Stress (NEPTE), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Maarten C Eisma
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
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Denhup C. Hurricane-Force Grief: A Mirror of Fathers' Love. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2024:302228241260979. [PMID: 38870417 DOI: 10.1177/00302228241260979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
A child's death is a traumatic experience that profoundly impacts parents' psychological, physical, and social wellbeing. The literature describes gender differences in grief response associated with child loss, yet less is known about fathers' grief in comparison that of mothers due to fathers' underrepresentation in bereavement research. There is a need for scholarly exploration to advance understanding of fathers' grief. This article presents selected findings on fathers' grief responses that emerged from a larger qualitative study, which aimed to describe fathers' lived experience of bereavement after a child's death. Profound grief emerged as one essential theme of fathers' bereavement experience. Participants described the meaning of their grief, their multidimensional grief responses, their grief triggers, and their grief intensity. Findings deepen understanding of fathers' grief associated with child loss and advance the body of parental bereavement literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Denhup
- Fairfield University, Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies, Fairfield, CT, USA
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Prigerson HG, Singer J, Killikelly C. Prolonged Grief Disorder: Addressing Misconceptions With Evidence. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2024; 32:527-534. [PMID: 38001019 DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2023.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
There are many misconceptions about Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD). We show with data that PGD is a diagnosis that applies to a rare few of mourners who are at risk of significant distress and dysfunction. Those mourners who meet criteria for PGD have been shown to benefit from specialized, targeted treatment for it. The case against PGD is empirically unsubstantiated, and the need for scientific examination of effective treatments is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jonathan Singer
- Department of Psychological Science (JS), Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX; Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center (JS), Seattle, WA
| | - Clare Killikelly
- Department of Psychology, Psychopathology and Clinical Intervention (CK), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Redican E, Hyland P, Shevlin M, Martsenkovskyi D, Karatzias T, Ben-Ezra M. Prevalence and correlates of ICD-11 prolonged grief disorder among adults living in Ukraine during the war with Russia. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2024; 149:425-435. [PMID: 38491862 DOI: 10.1111/acps.13678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although high rates of bereavement are evident in war-affected populations, no study has investigated the prevalence and correlates of probable ICD-11 prolonged grief disorder (PGD) under these circumstances. METHODS Participants were 2050 adults who participated in a nationwide survey exploring the effects of the Ukraine-Russia war on the daily lives and mental health of Ukrainian people. RESULTS Of the total sample, 87.7% (n = 1797) of people indicated a lifetime bereavement. In the full sample, 11.4% met the diagnostic requirements for probable ICD-11 PGD, and amongst those with a lifetime bereavement, the conditional rate of probable ICD-11 PGD was 13.0%. Significant risk factors of ICD-11 PGD included the recent loss of a loved one (6 months to a year ago), being most affected by a partner or spouse's death, loved one dying in the war, no recent contact with the deceased prior to their death, and meeting depression and anxiety diagnostic requirements. CONCLUSION The study reveals that a significant percentage of Ukrainian bereaved individuals have probable ICD-11 PGD, and identifying risk factors, particularly war-related losses, will aid in the development of intervention and prevention programs for bereaved adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enya Redican
- School of Psychology, Ulster University, Coleraine, UK
| | - Philip Hyland
- Department of Psychology, Maynooth University, Kildare, Ireland
| | - Mark Shevlin
- School of Psychology, Ulster University, Coleraine, UK
| | - Dmytro Martsenkovskyi
- Department of Psychiatry and Narcology, Bogomolets National Medical University, Kyiv, Ukraine
- SI "Institute of Psychiatry, Forensic Psychiatric Examination and Drug Monitoring of Ministry of Health of Ukraine", Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Thanos Karatzias
- School of Health & Social Care, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, UK
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Thieleman K, Cacciatore J, Frances A, Thomas S. Naltrexone for Prolonged Grief Disorder: A Response to Prigerson et al. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2024; 32:637-638. [PMID: 38360456 DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2024.01.226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Kara Thieleman
- Department of Psychology (KT), Arizona State University, REACH Institute, Tempe, AZ; School of Social Work (JC), Arizona State University, Glendale, AZ; Department of Psychiatry (AF), Duke University, Chair, DSM-IV Task Force, Durhan, NC; Department of Behavioral and Community Health (ST), University of Maryland, College Park, MD
| | - Joanne Cacciatore
- Department of Psychology (KT), Arizona State University, REACH Institute, Tempe, AZ; School of Social Work (JC), Arizona State University, Glendale, AZ; Department of Psychiatry (AF), Duke University, Chair, DSM-IV Task Force, Durhan, NC; Department of Behavioral and Community Health (ST), University of Maryland, College Park, MD
| | - Allen Frances
- Department of Psychology (KT), Arizona State University, REACH Institute, Tempe, AZ; School of Social Work (JC), Arizona State University, Glendale, AZ; Department of Psychiatry (AF), Duke University, Chair, DSM-IV Task Force, Durhan, NC; Department of Behavioral and Community Health (ST), University of Maryland, College Park, MD
| | - Shanéa Thomas
- Department of Psychology (KT), Arizona State University, REACH Institute, Tempe, AZ; School of Social Work (JC), Arizona State University, Glendale, AZ; Department of Psychiatry (AF), Duke University, Chair, DSM-IV Task Force, Durhan, NC; Department of Behavioral and Community Health (ST), University of Maryland, College Park, MD
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Lebel S, Lépine O, Brillon P. Mental Health of Homicidally Bereaved Individuals: A Systematic Review of Post-Homicide Factors. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2024:302228241245751. [PMID: 38584454 DOI: 10.1177/00302228241245751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Experiencing the homicide of a loved one has a substantial impact on the mental health of family members and friends who must survive their loved one's tragic death. This systematic review aims to synthesize the current findings on post-homicide factors and identify the factors most frequently related to the mental health of homicidally bereaved individuals (HBI). Four databases were searched (PsycINFO, SCOPUS, Sociological Abstract, PubMed). The selection of studies was based on a peer review process conducted by two independent researchers to ensure interrater reliability. The articles were screened to ensure the presence of homicidally bereaved adults, resulting in a total of 35 eligible papers to be considered in the current review. Factors were organized into categories, with the criminal justice system-related factors (n = 18), social factors (n = 17), and coping factors (n = 13) being the most prevalent. This review identifies clinical avenues for preventing distress and fostering the well-being of HBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Lebel
- Psychology Department, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Olivier Lépine
- Psychology Department, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Pascale Brillon
- Psychology Department, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Duran S, Altun A. Prolonged grief, reconstruction of meaning, and posttraumatic growth in nursing home residents who have lost loved ones. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24:364-370. [PMID: 38406968 DOI: 10.1111/ggi.14843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
AIM This study was conducted to determine the relationship between sociodemographic characteristics, prolonged grief, meaning reconstruction, and posttraumatic growth of elderly individuals who have lost loved ones. METHODS A total of 122 elderly individuals who had lost loved ones were included in the research conducted in a nursing home. RESULTS The levels of Prolonged Grief Inventory (PG-13), Grief and Meaning Reconstruction Inventory (GMRI), and Posttraumatic Growth (PTG) scale were found to be high among the individuals in the study. While the PG-13 scores of single individuals who have lost their spouses are statistically significantly higher compared to married individuals, the scores for GMRI are higher for elderly individuals with chronic illness and expected death compared to those who have experienced sudden loss. A significant negative correlation was also determined between PG-13, GMRI, and PTG scores. CONCLUSION Counseling to reconstruct grief and meaning is recommended for at-risk groups. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 364-370.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songül Duran
- .Department of Elderly Care, Health Services Vocational College, Izmir Demokrasi University, Izmir, Türkiye
| | - Aydın Altun
- Institute of Health Sciences, Master Student of Elderly Health Program, Izmir Democracy University, Izmir, Türkiye
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Cacciatore J. The most painful estrangement: Death at birth. Semin Perinatol 2024; 48:151870. [PMID: 38129243 DOI: 10.1016/j.semperi.2023.151870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
More than two million babies a year die during or before birth around the world, evoking grief that is traumatic. Because the psychological, physical, social, and emotional ramifications of grief following a baby's death are so enduring and intense, social support is essential to helping families cope. In particular, emotional acts of caring and judicious use of language are crucial, avoiding the use of the terms that belittle the value of the baby's life and the importance of the baby as part of a family history. Traumatic grief informed continuing education can aid providers in increasing sensitivity to the needs of grieving families and minimize additional trauma and suffering in the aftermath of such loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Cacciatore
- School of Social Work, Trauma and Bereavement Program, Arizona State University, USA.
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12
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Andriessen K. Role of contextual factors in the naturalness of prolonged grief reactions. Evid Based Nurs 2024:ebnurs-2023-103828. [PMID: 38286630 DOI: 10.1136/ebnurs-2023-103828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Karl Andriessen
- Centre for Mental Health and Community Wellbeing, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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