The role of self-concept clarity in prolonged grief disorder.
Three studies using independent samples of bereaved individuals were conducted to examine the association of self-concept clarity (SCC) with symptoms of prolonged grief disorder (PGD), a debilitating syndrome than can develop after bereavement. Study 1 (N = 67) showed that lower SCC was associated with greater PGD severity, independent from self-concept content change. Using a retrospective design, Study 2 (N = 116) showed that a loss can coincide with a decline in SCC, the magnitude of which was associated with acute PGD severity. Study 2 also showed that the maintenance of PGD symptoms over time was associated with a smaller increase in SCC beyond the first month of bereavement and not with this acute SCC decline. Using a prospective-longitudinal design, Study 3 (N = 121) showed that the impact of lower SCC on concurrent and prospective PGD severity was mediated by lower self-esteem, depressive avoidance, and rumination. Moreover, lower initial SCC predicted PGD severity 6 months later.
Clinical and Health Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands. P.A.Boelen@uu.nl
Paul A
PA
Boelen
Loes
L
Keijsers
Marcel A
MA
van den Hout
D000328:Adult; D004243:Divorce / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006117:Grief; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012649:Self Concept; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013997:Time Factors