Bereavement theory and research: Retrospective and Prospective

Recent research on the phenomena and manifestations of bereavement, as represented in this ABS special issue, has contributed to the understanding of two central, long-standing questions: How do bereaved persons cope with their loss? What is the nature and meaning of normal versus complicated grief? In this review, these themes are linked to historical trends, evaluation is made of current knowledge, and suggestions are given for future directions. Specification of the popular “grief work” notion has taken place, but discussion has stagnated in the “broken hearts versus broken bonds” controversy. Further microlevel analysis of basic cognitive and emotional processes is suggested. Likewise, useful conceptual clarification of complicated, pathological or traumatic grief and its relationship to other disturbances has occurred. Expansion of this research is recommended, particularly to enable scientifically based evaluation of the need for a specific diagnostic category (e.g., in the DSM system).