Complicated Grief: How is it Conceptualized by Professionals?

Abstract

Despite the proliferation of grief research, there is no consensus regarding the naming of grief that does not follow a typical trajectory. How a concept such as grief that has become complicated, is named and understood will likely influence professionals’ engagement with it. Professionals (n = 185; 71.8% female; mean age 51.9 years; SD = 8.9) defined complicated grief in a free-text box, within a survey. Statistically significant differences were found regarding extended duration, being stuck, and the circumstances surrounding the death. The differences in professionals’ views of complicated grief and its multidisciplinary nature underscore the need for consensus regarding its nomenclature and definition.

Keywords:

• Complicated grief
• definitions
• professional conceptualization

Ethical approval

The research was approved by the UCD Human Research Ethics Committee: Humanities Committee.

Author contributions

All authors made substantial contributions to the development and design of the research. The first author led on the analysis and interpretation, supported by the other authors. All authors contributed to the drafting of this article and have approved it for publication. All authors are accountable for the work.

Disclosure statement

No financial interest or benefit has arisen from the application of the research.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Irish Hospice Foundation, under the Thérèse Brady Scholarship.

Notes on contributors

Anne Dodd

Anne Dodd is a psychotherapist in private practice and completed her PhD, as the Irish Hospice Foundation Thérèse Brady Scholar, at the UCD School of Psychology under the supervision of Dr Suzanne Guerin.

Suzanne Guerin

Suzanne Guerin is an Associate Professor in Research Design and Analysis with the UCD School of Psychology, with an interest in health service research.

Susan Delaney

Susan Delaney is a clinical psychologist and was based at the Irish Hospice Foundation for the duration of the research, where she was the Director of the Complicated Grief Program.

Philip Dodd

Philip Dodd is the Head of the Department of Psychiatry with St Michael’s House Disability Services and serves as Clinical Advisor to the Irish National Office for Suicide Prevention.