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Uchimura KK, Papa A. Examining worry and secondary stressors on grief severity using machine learning. ANXIETY, STRESS, AND COPING 2024:1-13. [PMID: 39165151 DOI: 10.1080/10615806.2024.2391841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES Worry and loss-related secondary stressors appear to be important correlates of problematic grief responses. However, the relative importance of these variables in the context of established correlates of grief responding, ranging from indicators of identity disruption and demographic characteristics of the bereaved to characteristics of the loss of quality of the relationship with the deceased, is unknown. Modeling the relative associations of these factors can be problematic, given the high degree of collinearity between these variables. This study used a machine learning approach to provide accurate estimations of the relative importance of these correlates for post-loss symptom severity. METHODS AND RESULTS A convenience sample of 428 bereaved people who had lost a parent, spouse, or child in the last 30 to 365 days completed an online survey. Random forest regression modeling examined the effects of worry and secondary stressors on symptom severity in the context of established correlates. Results indicated worry and the number of secondary stressors experienced were among the factors most strongly associated with severity of grief, depression, posttraumatic stress and problems functioning. CONCLUSIONS These results also provide insight into the relative importance of worry and secondary stressors affecting grief severity to guide future research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anthony Papa
- University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
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2
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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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3
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Barboza J, Seedall R, Neimeyer RA. Meaning Co-Construction: Facilitating Shared Family Meaning-Making in Bereavement. FAMILY PROCESS 2022; 61:7-24. [PMID: 34008227 DOI: 10.1111/famp.12671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Meaning-oriented approaches to grief therapy have made substantial contributions by defining the internal processes of meaning-making and, more recently, clinical scholars have introduced relational approaches as means for continuing bonds with the deceased and increasing social support for the bereaved. However, the complicated interactive processes of interpersonal meaning-making pose added challenges as family members attempt to coregulate each other's grief experiences. While systemic therapists have consistently emphasized the essential role of familial relationships in fostering resilience through interpersonally constructed meaning, there remains a need for clarity in terms of the specific processes by which this occurs. The Meaning Reconstruction Model and Emotionally Focused Therapy provide process-oriented therapeutic strategies for facilitating interpersonal interactions that foster deep relational connection and self-identity transformation. In this article, we explore how these models can be integrated and applied to the dynamic needs of families who are adjusting to loss. Future clinical and research directions are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Robert A Neimeyer
- Portland Institute for Loss and Transition, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, USA
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4
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Maciejewski PK, Falzarano FB, She WJ, Lichtenthal WG, Prigerson HG. A micro-sociological theory of adjustment to loss. Curr Opin Psychol 2022; 43:96-101. [PMID: 34333375 PMCID: PMC8738773 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2021.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Although grief is a reaction to a social loss, it has been viewed almost exclusively through the lens of individual psychology and not sociology. In this article, we suggest that more attention to sociological aspects of grief is warranted. We propose a micro-sociological theory of bereavement and grief to complement, not replace, psychological perspectives. We assert that bereavement represents a state of loss-associated social deprivations (e.g. social disconnection). Furthermore, we postulate that addressing social deprivations (e.g. enhancing social connection) will lessen severity of distressing, disabling grief and, thereby, promote adjustment to loss. Future research is needed to test our theory and the hypotheses that follow from it in the service of promoting adaptation to bereavement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul K Maciejewski
- Cornell Center for Research on End-of-Live Care, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Francesca B Falzarano
- Cornell Center for Research on End-of-Live Care, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Wan Jou She
- Cornell Center for Research on End-of-Live Care, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Wendy G Lichtenthal
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Holly G Prigerson
- Cornell Center for Research on End-of-Live Care, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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5
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Morrigan B, Keesing S, Breen LJ. Exploring the Social Networks of Bereaved Spouses: Phenomenological Case Studies. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2020; 85:268-284. [PMID: 32698677 DOI: 10.1177/0030222820944062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Bereavement is a significant stressor that can affect and be affected by social support, yet there is little known about the social networks of bereaved individuals. We conducted an in-depth qualitative examination of the social networks of bereaved spouses through an interpretive phenomenological analysis. Five participants were interviewed about their social networks prior to and following bereavement. Participants described considerable changes in their social networks. They reported connecting with others who had experienced similar stressors, including via online support groups for widows/widowers, as a key strategy for re-engagement with their social worlds. The death of a spouse can precipitate the dramatic reorganization of social networks to incorporate and adapt to this crisis. Findings offer guidance for service providers to support bereaved spouses to harness existing social networks to optimize received support.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sharon Keesing
- School of Occupational Therapy, Social Work and Speech Pathology, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Lauren J Breen
- School of Psychology, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
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6
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Abstract
The death of a significant person, especially when it comes tragically or prematurely, can shake the foundations of our assumptive and relational world and lead to anguished attempts to find meaning in the loss and in our lives in its aftermath. In this article, I review one program of research focused on this attempt at meaning reconstruction, describe recently developed measures of meaning in mourning, and discuss several therapeutic techniques for helping clients make sense of the death and rework their attachment relationship to the deceased. I conclude by illustrating some of this work in my therapy with a couple grieving the loss of not one but two children to tragic accidents, as they try to adapt to a compound traumatic bereavement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A Neimeyer
- a Department of Psychology , University of Memphis , Memphis , TN , USA
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Karkar AJ, Burke LM. "It's your loss": Making loss one's own through blog narrative practices. DEATH STUDIES 2018; 44:210-222. [PMID: 30574837 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2018.1531087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated whether the 30 prompted categories of Gillies, Neimeyer, and Milman's (2014) Meaning of Loss Codebook (MLC) emerged in the unprompted and naturalistic blogs of four grieving widows. Furthermore, the study aimed to examine how such meanings emerged through each participant's processes of narrativization. Results showed that 26 of 30 MLC meanings emerged over 582 posts. Furthermore, in blogs demonstrating continued bonds with the deceased, MLC meanings formed networks integrated within narrative pathways. Conversely, in cases where severing ties were formulated as a condition of "moving on," meanings appeared in isolation of narrative and complications in narrativization were evident.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lisa M Burke
- School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
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8
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Christian KM, Aoun SM, Breen LJ. How religious and spiritual beliefs explain prolonged grief disorder symptoms. DEATH STUDIES 2018; 43:316-323. [PMID: 29757102 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2018.1469054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the importance of religious and spiritual beliefs in daily life in explaining prolonged grief disorder (PGD) symptomatology. Participants were 588 bereaved adults who completed a questionnaire. The importance of spiritual beliefs in daily life explained a small to medium, significant 3% of variance in PGD symptoms, but religious beliefs in daily life did not. Individuals who placed moderate importance on spiritual beliefs in their daily life may experience more intense grief.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim M Christian
- a School of Psychology , Curtin University , Perth , Australia
| | - Samar M Aoun
- b School of Psychology and Public Health , La Trobe University , Victoria , Australia
- c Institute for Health Research , Notre Dame University , Western Australia , Australia
| | - Lauren J Breen
- a School of Psychology , Curtin University , Perth , Australia
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9
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Bartone PT, Bartone JV, Gileno Z, Violanti JM. Exploration into best practices in peer support for bereaved survivors. DEATH STUDIES 2018; 42:555-568. [PMID: 29338675 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2017.1414087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
This exploratory, qualitative study addresses the question: what are the important elements in effective peer support programs for bereaved survivors? Interviews with 10 highly experienced experts were analyzed to identify recurrent themes and elements. Findings indicate that effective peer support programs for the bereaved should be: easily accessible; confidential; provide a safe environment; use peer supporters with similar shared experiences to clients; select peer supporters carefully; partner with professional mental health providers; train peer supporters thoroughly; and provide care and monitoring for peer supporters. These results can help inform efforts to improve peer support programs for bereaved survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul T Bartone
- a Institute for National Strategic Studies , National Defense University , Washington , DC , USA
| | | | - Zaneta Gileno
- c Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors , Arlington , VA , USA
| | - John M Violanti
- d School of Public Health and Health Professions , SUNY Buffalo , Buffalo , NY , USA
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10
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Bottomley JS, Smigelsky MA, Bellet BW, Flynn L, Price J, Neimeyer RA. Distinguishing the meaning making processes of survivors of suicide loss: An expansion of the meaning of loss codebook. DEATH STUDIES 2018; 43:92-102. [PMID: 30247994 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2018.1456011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Suicide loss represents particularly a difficult form of bereavement due to the challenges that volitional death poses to survivors. Understanding these challenges requires recognition of the idiosyncratic processes of meaning reconstruction for this specific group of grievers. The current study investigates such processes in survivors of suicide loss (SOSL) by utilizing the Meaning of Loss Codebook (MLC) to analyze the narratives of eight SOSL. The findings contribute to a broader understanding of meaning making following suicide, strengthen the validity of the MLC by demonstrating its appropriateness for SOSL, and illuminate unique challenges faced by SOSL, resulting in the proposal of supplemental MLC codes. Research and clinical implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamison S Bottomley
- a Department of Psychology , University of Memphis , Memphis , Tennessee , USA
| | - Melissa A Smigelsky
- a Department of Psychology , University of Memphis , Memphis , Tennessee , USA
| | - Benjamin W Bellet
- a Department of Psychology , University of Memphis , Memphis , Tennessee , USA
| | - Lauren Flynn
- a Department of Psychology , University of Memphis , Memphis , Tennessee , USA
| | - Justin Price
- a Department of Psychology , University of Memphis , Memphis , Tennessee , USA
| | - Robert A Neimeyer
- a Department of Psychology , University of Memphis , Memphis , Tennessee , USA
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