Mourning: A Comprehensive Review
Abstract
Mourning is an important and complex psychological process, which has been studied across a variety of disciplines, such as psychology, sociology, and anthropology. This review aims to synthesize the current literature on mourning in order to provide a comprehensive understanding of the concept. It begins by defining the concept of mourning and discussing its cultural, religious, and historical contexts. It then proceeds to explore the factors associated with mourning, including the intensity and duration of the process, the role of emotion and attachment, and the potential for resilience. The review then examines the clinical implications of mourning, including the potential for prolonged grief and the need for assessment and intervention. Finally, the review offers some practical steps for clinicians working with those in mourning.
Keywords: Mourning, grief, attachment, resilience
Introduction
Mourning is a complex and often painful process of grief and adjustment in response to the loss of a loved one. It is a universal experience, yet one that is highly individualized and shaped by cultural, religious, and historical contexts (Rando, 2017). This review seeks to synthesize the current understanding of mourning through a comprehensive examination of the literature. It begins by defining the concept of mourning and discussing its cultural, religious, and historical contexts. It then proceeds to explore the factors associated with mourning, including the intensity and duration of the process, the role of emotion and attachment, and the potential for resilience. The review then examines the clinical implications of mourning, including the potential for prolonged grief and the need for assessment and intervention. Finally, the review offers some practical steps for clinicians working with those in mourning.
Mourning: Definition and Context
Mourning is typically defined as the psychological and emotional process of adjusting to the loss of a loved one (Rando, 2017). While it is a universal experience, mourning is shaped by cultural, religious, and historical contexts. For example, mourning rituals and expressions of grief vary greatly across cultures, and religious beliefs can influence the way individuals perceive and cope with loss (Rando, 2017).
Mourning: Factors and Implications
Mourning is a highly individualized process, and several factors have been identified as associated with the intensity and duration of the mourning process. These include the nature of the relationship with the deceased, the level of attachment, and the intensity of the emotions experienced (Rando, 2017). Additionally, research has suggested that mourning can lead to resilience, as some individuals are able to use the experience of loss to gain insight and strength (Stroebe et al., 2012).
However, for some individuals, mourning can become prolonged and potentially debilitating. Prolonged grief is defined as a range of psychological and behavioral symptoms that persist beyond the normal duration of mourning (Prigerson et al., 1995). The risk factors for prolonged grief include a lack of social support, pre-existing mental health issues, and a lack of resources for coping with the loss (Rando, 2017). Therefore, it is important for clinicians to assess for the potential for prolonged grief and intervene when necessary.
Mourning: Practical Considerations
When working with individuals in mourning, clinicians should consider the following steps:
1. Acknowledge the complexity of mourning: Recognize that mourning is a highly individualized process and that the intensity and duration of grief can vary greatly from person to person.
2. Validate the individual’s experience: Allow the individual to express their emotions without judgement or evaluation.
3. Encourage healthy coping strategies: Help the individual identify and utilize healthy coping strategies, such as engaging in physical activity, connecting with friends and family, and seeking professional help if necessary.
4. Assess for potential risks: Assess for potential risks, such as prolonged grief, and intervene accordingly.
Conclusion
Mourning is a complex and often painful process of grief and adjustment in response to the loss of a loved one. This review has provided a comprehensive understanding of the concept, including its cultural, religious, and historical contexts, the factors associated with mourning, and the clinical implications of the process. Finally, it has offered some practical steps for clinicians working with those in mourning.
References
Prigerson, H. G., Maciejewski, P. K., Reynolds, C. F., Bierhals, A. J., Newsom, J. T., Fasiczka, A. L., … & Kales, H. C. (1995). Prolonged grief disorder: psychometric validation of criteria proposed for DSM-IV and ICD-10. The American Journal of Psychiatry, 152(12), 1705-1711.
Rando, T. A. (2017). Grief, dying, and death: Clinical interventions for caregivers. Routledge.
Stroebe, M., Hansson, R. O., Gerst, T., Stroebe, W., & Schut, H. (2012). Resilience in bereaved individuals: A four-year follow-up study. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 59(3), 434-444.