title: Therapeutic implications of continuing bonds expressions following the death of a pet.
abstract: Through the exploration of 12 continuing bonds expressions (CBE), this current study investigated the grief reaction and continuing impact of the death of a pet. Thirty-three individuals were interviewed to determine the degree of connection maintained with the deceased pet and how that affects their coping. Findings emphasize that the majority of respondents frequently maintain ongoing meaningful ties with their deceased pet through the use of CBE such as fond memories, rituals, dreams. The findings suggest that it is not the number of CBE but the degree of adaptability that is significant. The importance of recognizing the unique, total experience of those grieving the death of a pet is addressed. Implications for those working with and supporting those in grief are included. Future directions for research are described.
authors.affiliation: Pacific Graduate School of Psychology, Palo Alto University, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA. wpackman@paloaltou.edu
authors.forename: Wendy
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Packman
authors.forename: Betty J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Carmack
authors.forename: Rama
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ronen
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D000829:Animals, Domestic / Q000523:psychology*; D001293:Attitude to Death; D001601:Bereavement; D002415:Cats; D003643:Death; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D006117:Grief; D001841:Human-Animal Bond; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012069:Religion and Psychology; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult