Journal Article

A systematic review and meta-analysis of correlates of prolonged grief disorder in adults exposed to violent loss

Niemeyer, Helen, Knaevelsrud, Christine, Kampisiou, Christina, Heeke, Carina

2019

Overview

Background: Violent loss (i.e. loss through homicide, suicide, or accident) is associated with high levels of prolonged grief disorder (PGD). Objective: The current meta-analysis aims at identifying correlates of PGD in adults exposed to violent loss. Method: We conducted a systematic literature search in PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. We used the Pearson correlation coefficient r as an effect size measure and a random effects model was applied to calculate effect sizes. Results: Thirty-seven eligible studies published between 2003 and 2017 (N = 5911) revealed 29 potential correlates. Most studies used a cross-sectional design. Analyses revealed large significant effect sizes for comorbid psychopathology (r = .50-.59), suicidality (r = .41, 95% confidence interval [CI] [.30; .52]), and rumination (r = .42, 95% CI [.31; .52]), while medium effect sizes were found for exposure to traumatic events and factors concerning the relationship to the deceased. Small effect sizes emerged for sociodemographic characteristics, multiple loss, physical symptoms, and religious beliefs. Ten variables did not show a significant association with PGD. Heterogeneity and a small number of studies assessing certain correlates were observed. Conclusions: The associations with psychological disorders may indicate shared mechanisms of psychopathology. Moreover, we recommend that clinicians carefully assess suicidal ideation among individuals with PGD who have been exposed to violent loss. Further research is warranted using longitudinal study designs with large sample sizes to understand the relevance of these factors for the development of PGD.

• Publisher: Taylor & Francis,Taylor & Francis Ltd,Taylor & Francis Group
• Subject: bereavement / correlates / correlatos / duelo / Grief / Meta-analysis / metanálisis / persistent complex bereavement disorder / Prolonged grief disorder / Psychopathology / pérdida violenta / Review / Suicides & suicide attempts / Systematic review / The first systematic review of correlates of PGD in survivors of violent loss. The systematic literature search identified 37 studies and revealed 29 correlates. Large effect sizes were found for comorbid psychopathology, suicidality and rumination. Results are relevant in the light of the inclusion of PGD in the forthcoming ICD-11 / trastorno de duelo complejo persistente / trastorno de duelo prolongado / violent loss / 丧亲 / 元分析 / 延长哀伤症 / 持续的复杂性丧亲疾病 / 暴力丧亲 / 相关变量