title: "Posthumous disillusionment" as a type of complicated grief.
abstract: This article develops a theoretical concept that delineates the experience of disillusionment toward a deceased loved-one during the grieving process. Through clinical anecdote, film and autobiography, possible therapeutic initiatives are identified which may provide pastoral and clinical approaches to assist those whose grief is complicated by distressing and unexpected revelations requiring a reevaluation of their relationship with the loved-one who has died.
authors.affiliation: The Samaritan Counseling Center of Lancaster County, Lancaster, Pa, USA. fstalfa@lancasterseminary.edu
authors.forename: Frank J
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Stalfa
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001293:Attitude to Death; D006117:Grief; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008016:Life Change Events; D010327:Pastoral Care / Q000379:methods; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*; D017805:Widowhood / Q000523:psychology*