The Role of Loss in the Experience of Grief: The Case of Job Loss

Abstract

Grief has mainly been studied in the context of bereavement. This research has long suggested that loss-related disruption may be contingent upon the extent that loss has impacted individuals' sense of self. This article examines the association of loss of another important identity marker, one's employment, and the experience of grief symptoms. Results support the discriminant validity of grief from depression and anxiety symptoms, the role of the self in moderating the effect of job loss on the experience of grief, and the role of avoidance as a potential link between the self and grief symptoms.

KEYWORDS:

• avoidance
• job loss
• just-world beliefs
• prolonged grief
• self-esteem

Notes

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Additional information

Notes on contributors

Anthony Papa

Anthony Papa is an assistant professor of psychology at the University of Nevada, Reno. His research interests include the interaction of emotional expression and social contexts and the role of identity stability during adaptation to adverse events, as well as related translational research.

Robyn Maitoza

Robyn Maitoza is a PhD student in the Interdisciplinary Program in Social Psychology at the University of Nevada, Reno. She specializes in families and health, coping with transitions, and work-family issues.