Meaning Integration and Grief Trajectories Within in the First Two Years Among Chinese: Latent Growth Modeling

Abstract

Studies on grief trajectories within the first two years following loss are limited, especially among eastern cultures. This study aims to examine distinct grief trajectories among Chinese bereaved individuals as well as the factors predicting them. The data were collected in three waves over 18 months and involved 181 participants who completed measures of grief, meaning integration, and demographic and death-related information. Latent class growth analysis was utilized to identify grief trajectories. Univariate logistical regression and multivariate logistical regression were used to investigate the predictors. Four grief trajectories were identified: resilient (44.19%), chronic (17.15%), recovery (31.71%), and delayed (6.32%). Meaning integration at six months following loss distinguished the chronic trajectory from the resilient group, but not from the recovery group. Meaning integration at 12 months distinguished the chronic trajectory from the resilient trajectory and the recovery trajectory. However, it did not differentiate delayed pattern from recovery or resilient classes. These findings emphasize the need for caution in predicting grief trajectories by meaning integration early in the bereavement process.

Keywords:

• Prolonged grief
• latent class growth modeling
• delayed grief
• bereavement
• meaning

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank all study participants.

Ethical approval

Ethical approval for this research was granted by the Human Research Ethics Committee of the institution with which the authors are affiliated.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Renmin University of China Research [grant numbers 19XNLG15]; Shiyu Palliative Care Research Fund·Children’s Special [grant number 2023ZD03].

Notes on contributors

Dongpeng Yao

Jie Li is an associate professor at the Department of Psychology, Renmin University of China. Her research project focuses on loss and bereavement, aiming to explore the emotional responses and psychological adaptation processes related to loss, trauma, etc.

Jie Li

Dongpeng Yao is a postgraduate student at the Department of Psychology, Renmin University of China. His research interests include psychological adaptation after bereavement and grief.

Jing Ning

Jing Ning is a postgraduate student at the Department of Psychology, Renmin University of China. Her research interests include post traumatic growth and bereavement.

Mengyuan Long

Mengyuan Long is a postgraduate student at the Department of Psychology, Renmin University of China. Her research interests include psychological adaptation under adversity, such loss and grief.

Yihan Gai

Yihan Gai is a postgraduate student at the Department of Psychology, Renmin University of China. Her research interests include the responses of people who have experienced loss or trauma, as well as interventions for them.

Mei Li

Mei Li is a PhD student at the department of Psychology, Renmin University of China. She is presently a member of the Students’ Affairs Division and the National Academy of Chinese Theater Arts.