COVID-19, natural, and unnatural bereavement: comprehensive comparisons of loss circumstances and grief severity.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Acute grief appears more severe after COVID-19 deaths than natural deaths. Prolonged grief disorder (PGD) also appears prevalent following COVID-19 deaths. Researchers hypothesize that specific loss characteristics and pandemic-related circumstances may precipitate more severe grief following COVID-19 deaths compared to (other) natural deaths. Systematic research on these hypotheses may help identify those most at risk for severe grief reactions, yet it is scant.

Objective

To compare loss characteristics, loss circumstances, and grief levels among people bereaved due to COVID-19, natural, and unnatural causes.

Methods

Adults bereaved through COVID-19 (n = 99), natural causes (n = 1006), and unnatural causes (n = 161) completed an online

SUBMITTER: Eisma MC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9103268 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature