Loss and restoration in later life: an examination of dual process model of coping with bereavement.
The Dual Process Model (DPM) of Coping with Bereavement identified two oscillating coping processes, loss and restoration (Stroebe & Schut, 1999). The utility of the model is investigated in two studies. In the first, we carried out secondary analyses on a large-scale qualitative study that we had conducted previously. In the second, we conducted a small-scale study specifically examining the DPM. In the first study we re-examined the interviews for Loss- (LO) and Restoration-Oriented (RO) Coping and examined whether these were associated with psychological adjustment. The results showed that those adjusting well reported the stressors New Roles/Identities/ Relationships and Intrusion of Grief significantly more. Those adjusting less well reported the stressors Denial/Avoidance of Restoration Changes and Distraction/Avoidance of Grief significantly more. In the second study, we asked participants about four RO stressors of the DPM: Attending to Life Changes; New Roles/Identities/Relationships; Distraction from Grief; and New Activities. These data showed that not all participants experienced all aspects of RO Coping. In particular, participants had diverse views about the utility of Distraction from Grief as a coping mechanism. The article concludes by discussing the challenges of testing the DPM empirically.
School of Psychology, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom. kmb@liv.ac.uk
Kate M
KM
Bennett
Kerry
K
Gibbons
Suzanna
S
Mackenzie-Smith
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D001293:Attitude to Death; D001601:Bereavement; D003376:Counseling / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006117:Grief; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008016:Life Change Events; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009769:Object Attachment; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods; D017805:Widowhood / Q000523:psychology*