Good Grief: Exploring the Dimensionality of Grief Experiences and Social Work Support

Abstract

This study explored the dimensionality of grief with a sample (n = 180) of caregivers of deceased loved ones; utilizing a positive grief scale, additional data were collected about perceptions of social worker practice behaviors in end-of-life care. Results revealed the presence of both positive and negative aspects of grief. Supportive social work practice behaviors at the end of life were present at least 52.2% of the time and specific practices were analyzed as to their association with positive or negative grief reactions. Results from this study suggest that grief is a multidimensional process and that social work practice behaviors can support positive aspects of grief with clients in all fields of practice.

KEYWORDS:

• aging
• bereavement
• caregivers
• caregiving
• grief
• grief dimensions
• loss
• older adults

Notes

Note. ICGR = Inventory of Complicated Grief-Revised.

*Likert scale: 1 = “never”; 2 = “rarely”; 3 = “sometimes”; 4 = “often”; 5 = “always.”.

#*Likert scale: 1 = “never”; 2 = “rarely”; 3 = “sometimes”; 4 = “often”; 5 = “always.”.

#*All ratings fall between very helpful (1) and somewhat helpful (2).