Journal Article

Prolonged grief symptomatology following violent loss: the mediating role of meaning

MacKinnon, Christopher J., Muis, Krista R., Cohen, S. Robin, Milman, Evgenia, Fitzpatrick, Marilyn, Neimeyer, Robert A.

2017

Overview

Background: Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) is over-represented among those who have lost loved ones to violent causes. To tailor PGD interventions for this vulnerable population it is critical to examine the aetiology of PGD specifically in the context of violent death bereavement. Previous studies have suggested that violent loss increases symptoms of PGD by hindering the mourner's ability to make meaning of the death or its aftermath. However, these studies have relied on cross sectional data that preclude genuine prediction and have not differentiated among specific themes of meaning. Objective: This study aimed to identify specific themes of meaning that mediate the detrimental impact of violent loss on subsequent emergence of PGD symptomatology among the violently bereft. Method: A longitudinal, prospective design (N = 171) was used to assess violent loss and themes of meaning an average of six months post-loss allowing for prediction of PGD symptoms an average of eight months later. Results: Violent loss had a significant indirect effect on PGD symptomatology when meaning themes focusing on sense of peace and continuing bonds served as mediators. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the mediating role that specific meaning themes play in the development of PGD symptomatology following violent loss. These findings highlight the potential benefits of applying a meaning-based intervention approach with the violently bereft.

• Publisher: Taylor & Francis,Taylor & Francis Ltd,Taylor & Francis Group
• Subject: Bereavement and Complicated Grief / dándole sentido / Grief / loss / meaning making / Mediación del resultado del duelo / mediation of bereavement outcome / muerte violenta / Prolonged Grief Disorder / pérdida / suicide / suicidio / Trastorno de duelo prolongado / violent death / Violent loss predicted higher levels of Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) symptomology by disrupting meaning making. Specific themes of meaning found to be associated with PGD symptoms following violent loss include 'continuing bonds' and 'sense of peace'. 'Continuing bonds' represents meaning related to the symbolic relationship between the bereft and the deceased. 'Sense of peace' represents meaning related to how the bereaved perceives the death event / 丧亲 / 对丧亲结果的中介 / 延长哀伤障碍 / 暴力死亡 / 自杀 / 赋予意义