Grief/Bereavement

Abstract

Grief (i.e., the physical and emotional reaction to loss) and bereavement (i.e., the death of a loved one) are tied to mental and physical health outcomes. Symptoms of grief include physical and psychological changes including body aches, anxiety, and emotional pain. Grief has been conceptualized both as a series of stages or phases and as a period of meaning-making. Furthermore, a variety of factors related to characteristics of the griever, the nature of the loss, and available support may influence grief processes and health outcomes. When grief becomes particularly distressing or prolonged, individuals can experience complicated grief, which is tied to more negative grief outcomes. Individuals with stronger support networks may experience improved health effects during bereavement.

Department(s)

Communication, Media, Journalism and Film

Document Type

Article

DOI

10.1002/9781119678816.iehc0883

Keywords

bereavement, coping, grief, loss

Publication Date

1-1-2022

Journal Title

International Encyclopedia of Health Communication

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