title: Internalized and externalized continuing bonds in bereaved parents: their relationship with grief intensity and personal growth.
abstract: Continuing bonds (CBs) expression appears especially prevalent among bereaved parents. This study examined the relationship between CBs and grief outcomes for this population. A customized CB scale for use with bereaved parents was derived from the literature. Three hundred fifty-four participants (10 male) recruited from online support groups completed an internet questionnaire. A 3-factor dimensional structure of CB (internalized, externalized, and transference) was supported. Structural equation modeling showed clear links between internalized bonds and a more positive grief status; externalized bonds showing an opposite relationship. Weaker effects were found for child's age, time since death, and type of death.
authors.affiliation: a School of Human, Health and Social Sciences, CQ University , Rockhampton , Australia.
authors.forename: Dianna
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Scholtes
authors.forename: Matthew
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Browne
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001293:Attitude to Death; D035841:Behavioral Research; D001601:Bereavement; D002648:Child; D003643:Death; D003674:Defense Mechanisms; D005260:Female; D006117:Grief; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009769:Object Attachment; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D014167:Transference, Psychology