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Psycho-social Aspects of Grief, Mourning and Bereavement:  A Research Guide
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Prepared by:
Ana E. Fontoura, MLS
College of New Rochelle
Library
914-654-5456
Updated January 2006
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bibliographic Essay

While the plethora of research literature on psychosocial aspects of death, grief, mourning and bereavement with older people is impressive (Wass & Myers, 1982), there is considerably fewer findings in this area when dealing with populations experiencing ambiguous loss.  Examples of ambiguous loss, or hidden sorrow, that receive little or no social recognition may include perinatal loss (involving infertility, abortion, miscarriage or still birth), drug abuse, suicide, divorce, loss of a pet, or experiences with illnesses that are considered socially taboo (mental illness, AIDS, Alzheimer's, etc.). 

Those experiencing ambiguous losses find it particularly difficult to deal with grief because members of the social network are unable to recognize the loss as real and consequently are unable to validate the grief of the bereaved. Others may find providing support difficult to do, since people are more comfortable with "normal" rather than what is perceived as "abnormal" losses and grief responses. Thus, an ambiguous loss may be experienced as irreconcilable.  Labeled as disenfranchised grief (Doka, 1989), the disenfranchised are forced to carry their burden alone, often pushed to hide and suppress feelings and emotions or denied any meaningful participation in death rites and rituals. Disenfranchised mourners are high risk for complicated mourning.

There is agreement in the literature that any time individuals experience a separation from someone or something that is important to their life, they will experience grief. Frequently, they have feelings of anger, guilt, sadness, desperation, loneliness, hopelessness, and numbness (Doka, 1989; Van Der Wal, 1989; Worden, 1982).  Although these emotions can be intensified when the grief is not recognized or not supported, as described above, there is a universal framework which the grieving person must complete in order for the adaptation process to begin (Lenhardt, 1997).  Kubler-Ross (1969) defined five stages which the grieving person must go through in order move into acceptance of loss.  Other theorists who based their work on Kubler-Ross (Van Der Wal, Weiss) staged the grieving process as well, albeit with different terms, with the end result being integration or adjustment to loss.

Different kinds of grief may require different approaches.  Whether the grief is disenfranchised or not, the key ingredient is the need to have the loss and grief socially legitimized by others. When it is not, grief may be hidden and its course extended. Those suffering may develop a type of chronic grief that repeats itself, possibly with greater intensity, with each new loss. 

In John Schneider's (1994) model of transformative grief he wrote:

[A loss that is fully recognized and grieved] liberates us. We are more than we were before, despite having less... Bit by bit, piece by piece, we discover a new life, one that weaves loss into its fabric... Transformations are restorations of the human spirit, the throwing off of the burden of fear and loneliness.... When we grow from a loss, we begin to have hope that the energies determined to destroy the world through greed, envy, war, environmental destruction and disease can be transformed. If we can change, aren't other transformations possible? (p. 267-268)

 

Doka, K. (1989).  Disenfranchised grief: Recognizing hidden sorrow.  Lexington, Mass: Lexington Books.

Kubler-Ross, E. (1969).  On death and dying.  New York: Scribner.

Lenhardt, A. (1997).  Disenfranchised grief/hidden sorrow: Implications for the school counselor.  School Counselor, 44:4,  264-70.

Schneider, J. (1994)  Finding my way: Healing and transformation through loss and grief. Colfax, WI: Seasons Press.

Van Der Wal,  (1989)  The aftermath of suicide: A review of the empirical evidence.  Omega, 20,  149-171.

Wass, H. (1982).  Psychosocial aspects of death among the elderly: A review of the literature.  Personnel and Guidance Journal, 61:3, 131-137.

Worden,  (1982)  Grief counseling and grief therapy.  New York: Taylor & Francis.

 

Ana Fontoura, MLS

College of New Rochelle

March 2004

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GENERAL INFORMATION

"Psychosocial aspects of death, grief and bereavement" refers to the psychological implications of the process of going through grief and bereavement associated with loss. Taking a psychological approach to all the aspects of grief, loss and bereavement will help the researcher focus on practices, specific theories, counseling methods and facilitating techniques for the mourner.   Despite differences in approach, common themes run throughout these practices, including historical perspectives, and the ultimate goal of overcoming, or being able to live with grief and bereavement.

This guide is designed to help you learn more about the psychosocial aspects of grief and bereavement in general and to get you started on your research in this field.  There are many resources available on this subject.  Some are listed below.  Keep in mind that you may narrow your search in this field by focusing on a specific culture and/or population, as well as adding other terms in your grief and/or bereavement research such as: funeral rites, death denial, religion, philosophical approaches and more.  Some of these sources are meant to provide general information, while others are geared toward advanced study in the field.

 

Everything you need to begin your research is found at the library homepage - go to:     http://www.cnr.edu/home/library/

 

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 Search The Gill Library CATALOG for books, videos, journal titles and more

Go to:  Online Catalog

The College of New Rochelle Library uses Library of Congress subject headings as the standard for subject searching. Unlike searching by keyword, where any term or wording of a topic can be entered into the computer, subject searching requires you to use the exact wording of an official Library of Congress subject heading in order to retrieve search results.

Some useful standard subject headings on grief and bereavement are:

COUNSELING               CONSOLATION                                                                                                                   GRIEF                                                                                                                                      
GRIEF THERAPY
 
BEREAVEMENT
        
LOSS    
FUNERAL RITES AND CEREMONIES
DEATH

          Common Subject Subdivisions you may add to the above are:

--CROSS-CULTURAL STUDIES
--PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS
--RELIGIOUS ASPECTS
--SOCIAL ASPECTS
 

For precise results of items relating specifically to grief and bereavement, search using any of the terms above and browse the subject list.  You will find a greater concentration of items under the terms "Grief" and "Bereavement."  However, don't forget to browse all the related subjects listed!

 

 

For results that are not so specific (for example books that may dedicate sections or one chapter to this issue, but are not necessarily devoted to the issue of grief and bereavement), search by Keyword using the term "grief" and browse the result list. You will find that a large number of results is retrieved and therefore it would be wise to narrow down your focus by adding more terms to your original search.  For example: Grief and

  • Children

  • Culture

  • Suicide

  • Counseling

  • Loss

 

 For additional help on how to search the catalog, go to:  Catalog Search Tips

 

REMEMBER: If you can't find a book that you need at Gill Library, please search Other Library Catalogs on our website, or ask a Reference Librarian for assistance requesting an Interlibrary Loan.  (what is an Interlibrary Loan?)

  

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BOOKS 

 

SOME books available in the REFERENCE COLLECTION relating to Grief and Bereavement:

(Click on the title to see the record in our catalog):

 

The ... national directory of bereavement support groups, and services - This extensive collection of services include over 1,600 community-based bereavement support groups in twelve categories: AIDS, Death of a Child, Death of an Infant Child, General Bereavement, Grieving Children, Homicide, Organ/Tissue Donation, Pet Loss, Suicide, Vehicular Homicide, The Widowed, and 24 Hour Crisis Hotlines.

 

The Lillian G. Kutscher Thanatology Collection in the Gill Library of the College of New Rochelle - This bibliography features works held at the College of New Rochelle specific to the Lillian G. Kutscher Thanatology Collection.  Contains annotations.

 

The art of condolence : what to write, what to say, what to do at a time of loss - Filled with personal stories and anecdotes, this heartfelt, practical, and easily accessible resource covers the three most common areas of concern: "What can I write?", "What can I say?",  and "What can I do?". The authors address such issues as: special circumstances -- sudden death, suicide, the death of a parent or child; how to compose a letter of condolence -- including a variety of sample letters, how to be of service from ideas for thoughtful gifts, to assisting with business affairs and funeral arrangements; suggested ways of helping in the aftermath; when more help is needed -- the benefits of grief therapy and support groups - with a listing of recommended reading and other resources.

 

Handbook of death & dying - "Aiming for comprehensiveness and to serve the wide community of scholars and practitioners concerned with various aspects of thanatology, this two-volume reference comprises 103 detailed essays, which cross disciplines and cultures in their discussion of death-related beliefs and behaviors, both individual and collective. Volume one arranges material in sections on death's cultural and social contexts, controversies, and processes. Among the topics: fear of death, western philosophical strategies, denial, reincarnation, ghosts, spirituality, religion, life insurance, and symbolic immortality. The second volume's focus is on responses to death, with material on ceremonies (funerals); body disposition; grief, bereavement, and survivorhood; the legalities; the arts; and the future." (book summary)

 

Encyclopedia of death and dying - A long list of respected contributors, predominantly from Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, here provide rich and fascinating articles on all aspects of death and dying. Arranged alphabetically by subject, each entry is signed and includes references and suggestions for further reading (Library Journal).

 

 

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SOME books available in the CIRCULATING COLLECTION relating to Grief and Bereavement:

(Click on the title to see the record in our catalog):

 

Meaning reconstruction & the experience of loss - Stresses the role of continued symbolic bonds as well as the appreciation of life-enhancing growth as one integrates the lessons of loss. Theme presented is that symptoms in the bereaved have meaning-making significance and that meaning reconstruction in response to loss is the central process in grieving (book description).

 

Death and bereavement across cultures -  This book examines the beliefs and customs related to death from the perspective of several cultures and religions, including: Hindu, Tibetan Buddhism, Jewish, Christianity and Islam.  It explains their psychological and historical context; shows how customs change on contact with the West; and considers the implications for the future. Additionally, the editors explore mourning traditions around the world with the aim of increasing the understanding which we all bring to the issue of death.
 

On death and dying - One of the most important psychological studies of the late twentieth century, On Death and Dying  grew out of Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross's famous interdisciplinary seminar on death, life, and transition. In this remarkable book, Dr. Kübler-Ross first explored the now-famous five stages of death: denial and isolation, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Through sample interviews and conversations, she gives the reader a better understanding of how imminent death affects the patient, the professionals who serve that patient, and the patient's family, bringing hope to all who are involved (book description).
 

Grief counseling and grief therapy : a handbook for the mental health practitioner - "Worden details the mechanisms of normal grief and the procedures for helping clients accomplish the "tasks of mourning". He goes on to explain how unresolved grief can lead to problems requiring psychotherapy, and how the therapist can diagnose and treat problems related to exaggerated, chronic, masked, and delayed grief reactions." Book News Inc.

 

Disenfranchised grief : new directions, challenges, and strategies for practice - This book focuses on the kind of grief that is not openly acknowledged, socially validated, or publicly mourned. It addresses the unique psychological, biological, and sociological issues involved in disenfranchised grief. The contributing authors explore the concept of disenfranchised grief, help define and explain this type of grief, and offer clinical interventions to help grievers express their hidden sorrow. Research Press

 

Continuing bonds : new understandings of grief - "The accustomed 20th century model of the grief process emphasizes a necessity for the survivor "to let go" in order to establish new relationships. The 22 contributors to this volume assert a different vision: that for many people a healthy resolution of grief enables them to maintain a continuing bond with the deceased in their lives and communities--despite a lack of cultural and professional approval. The scholars discuss our contemporary notions of grief, and analyze the experiences of bereaved widows, children, spouses, siblings, and cultures such as the Japanese to present a unique picture of how people experience loss." Book News Inc.
 

On death without dignity : the human impact of technological dying - "The author makes a compelling case for rethinking the way we use technology in oncology, especially in the last months of life...its contribution and strength lie in the author's presentation of his own field research and in his analysis of his observations. Thus, the book not only has value to the field of medical sociology, but it may also assist those in the health care profession as it spotlights medical practices common in care at the end of life and forces us to question the purpose and ethics of such practices." Mary Jo D. Good, Harvard Medical School

 

The Thanatology community and the needs of the movement - Essays emerging from the 1st National Congress of Thanatology, held at Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center in New York City, September 1990, address the major issues facing the thanatology community, and set an agenda for the field of thanatology in the 1990s. Also published as Loss, Grief & Care, v.6, no.1, 1992.

 

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JOURNALS

CNR subscriptions

(click on each title to see complete holdings information)

 

Death Studies

 

Omega: an international journal for the study of dying, death, bereavement, suicide, and other lethal behaviors

 

For full text journals in the field of Gerontology and Geriatrics (which may have articles pertaining to grief and bereavement)  go to:  GERONTOLOGY AND GERIATRICS FULL TEXT ONLINE JOURNALS.  Examples follow:

          

Generations

     from 01/01/1990 to present

 

Journal of Cross-Cultural Gerontology

     from 03/01/1997 to 1 year ago

 

Journal of the American Geriatrics Society

     from 01/01/2001 to 1 year ago

 

International Journal of Aging & Human Development

     from 06/06/2003 to 6 months ago

 

 

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Some VIDEOS available in our catalog relating to Grief and Bereavement:

(Click on the title to see the record in our catalog):

 

Call Number   Title
   VID 782 Grief in America
   VID 674 Letting go
   VID 994 At the end of a gun: women and war
   VID 672 The Good death

 

 

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Search for journal ARTICLES in Gill Library Databases: 

(For help on how to search some of our databases go to: Database Search Tips)

 

To search for articles (many in full-text)  search Gill Library's databases.  These databases are arranged by subject, or alphabetically by the database's name. 

 

Specific databases that index articles relating to Grief and Bereavement, would be listed under Psychology.  Different databases should be consulted depending on the focus and scope of your search. 

 

Once you are in a specific database, you should be certain that you are using valid terms.  (See "Search the Catalog" for a list of possible terms)   To obtain the best results, however, browse the "subject" or "thesaurus" tab within each database. If you need assistance with this, narrowing your search or any other question, please feel free to ask a librarian.

 

It is recommended that you begin with the database "Academic Search Premier" due to its broad spectrum content.  Once you have a good overview of your topic,  search "PsychArticles",  "PsychInfo" and "Social Sciences Abstracts", although you should search as many databases as listed in the above link.

 

 

The following is some information about each of the databases mentioned above:

 

Academic Search Premier - provides full text for nearly 3,180 scholarly publications covering academic areas of study including social sciences, humanities, education, computer sciences, engineering, language and linguistics, arts & literature, medical sciences, and ethnic studies.

 

PsycArticles - is an online database containing more than 25,000 searchable full-text articles from 42 journals published by APA and allied organizations from 1987 to the present, with earlier years in production. The PsycARTICLES database covers general psychology and specialized basic, applied, clinical, and theoretical research in psychology.

 

PsycInfo - provides indexing and abstracts for over one million articles in 1,500 journals from over 50 countries. This database, provided by the American Psychological Association, also includes abstracts for dissertations, books and book chapters ranging in date from 1887 to the present.

 

Social Sciences Abstracts - H. W. Wilson's Social Sciences Abstracts covers 518 English language periodicals.  Topics include  anthropology, area studies, community health and medical care, criminal justice and criminology, economics, family studies, geography, gerontology, international relations, law, minority studies, planning and public administration, policy sciences, political science, psychiatry, psychology, social work and public welfare, sociology, urban studies, women's studies, and related subjects. Social Sciences Abstracts includes abstracts from January 1994 and indexes from February 1983.

 

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Browse the Gill Library INTERNET RESOURCES page under GERONTOLOGY:

Go to:  Selected Internet Resources

There you will find links to various sites and organizations relating to the field of Grief and Bereavement.  For example:

The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization

Alzheimer's Association

 

Other possible sites to visit include:

Growth House - A gateway to resources for life-threatening illness and end of life care. Their primary mission is to improve the quality of compassionate care for people who are dying through public education and global professional collaboration.

Grief and Loss Resource Center - This site, spread across a few pages, is divided into three sets of links. The first set includes grief and bereavement resources, called "Grief Links." The second set is devoted to various "losses" in our lives, other than death, that involve varying degrees of grief, called "Loss Links." The third set is comprised of links to Memorials collections. You will find these three categories useful.

Yahoo! Society and Culture: Death and Dying  

Project on Death in America The mission of the Project on Death in America is to understand and transform the culture and experience of dying and bereavement through funding initiatives in research, scholarship, the humanities, and the arts, and to foster innovations in the provision of care, public education, professional education, and public policy

Want to search the Web independently? The best strategy is to make use of a Search Engine, but remember to thoroughly evaluate your results before honoring the information you retrieve.

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LISTSERVs:

A LISTSERV® is a commercial mailing list management system that allows you to subscribe to or create, manage, and control an electronic mailing list. Mailing Lists are email-based discussion groups. Each member that is subscribed to a particular mailing list receives a copy of every message sent to that list via E-mail. 

LISTSERVs can be a valuable resource for a researcher as long as one keeps in mind that messages are not necessarily posted by experts in the field.  Information obtained from LISTSERVs should be verified whenever possible.  If you need help subscribing, searching archives, or posting a question on a LISTSERV, please see a Reference Librarian.  Some examples of LISTSERVs relating to the field of death are:

A Sample Of Some Available Lists:

CAREGIVERSARMY@onelist.com

Hospice

ElderLawFax

Alzheimer caregivers

For a more complete list visit Empowering Caregivers website.

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NEED MORE HELP?

Come to the Reference Desk during regular library hours for further assistance, or, feel free to ask a Librarian via E-mail at any time.  E-mail inquiries will be answered within 24 hours of being submitted.

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