“The grief process represents a natural expression of emotional responses following a significant loss. This process unfolds as a journey of recovery, shaped by time, support systems, and individual coping resources.”
The concept of grief was first described by Sigmund Freud (1917) as “the response to the loss of valued objects, such as loved ones, one’s country, freedom, or ideals.” Freud’s ideas dominated the field until the emergence of attachment theory, which introduced new perspectives into the literature. Contemporary approaches, notably Elisabeth Kübler-Ross’s stage theories of grief, emphasize structured phases that theoretically lead to “recovery.” However, more recent perspectives argue that such stage models may oversimplify the complex, multifaceted nature of grief and often fail to adequately address the physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs of the bereaved and their support networks. Current views highlight grief as an active, constructive process, worthy of deeper examination. This section explores the evolution of grief theories.
The Turkish Language Association defines grief as the emotional, cognitive, and behavioral manifestations of pain resulting from death or disaster (Türk Dil Kurumu, 2011). Freud (1917) described grief as a reaction to the death of a person to whom one was emotionally attached. Parkes (1988) noted that grief constitutes one of the most profound human traumas, with the related emotional responses closely linked to the grieving process (as cited in Akyıldız, 2019).
Klein (1940) emphasized that while mourning induces a form of psychological discomfort, it constitutes a universal human experience. Stroebe (2015), while recognizing the profound life impact of losing a loved one, argued that grief itself is not a disease. Many individuals undergo intense periods of mourning, which may be more disruptive than commonly anticipated (Weiss, 2001). Individuals with normal resilience often navigate these emotions effectively, whereas those with limited psychological resources may require support, including psychotherapy or pharmacological interventions.
Common Features of Grief
Although grief reactions vary, common features are observable. Physical symptoms may include difficulty breathing, dry mouth, auditory sensitivity, nausea, and exhaustion (Schwab, 2007). Cognitive manifestations include persistent rumination, doubt, forgetfulness, confusion, and delusions (Smith & Borgers, 1988). Emotional and behavioral responses may involve guilt, anxiety, sadness, loneliness, shock, appetite and sleep disturbances, substance use, social withdrawal, and isolation (Dyregrov & Matthiesen, 1987). Detailed characterization of grief and its influencing factors is critical, given the significance of loss in a person’s life.
Determinants of the Grief Process
The intensity of grief is shaped by multiple factors. Worden (2008) identifies key determinants, including the identity of the deceased, the nature of the relationship, circumstances of death, prior losses, social support, challenges arising during the grief process, personality traits, and demographic characteristics. The closeness between the bereaved and the deceased (e.g., spouse, parent, child, close friend, cousin) significantly influences the depth and scope of grief. For instance, mourning a distant relative differs considerably from losing a child. Similarly, the grief experienced from a grandmother’s natural death contrasts with the loss of a sibling in a traffic accident (Bonanno & Kaltman, 2001).
The Role of Death Circumstances and Social Support
The manner of death directly affects individuals’ adaptation to loss and grief responses. Natural deaths, accidents, homicides, and suicides elicit different patterns of grief. Unexpected or traumatic losses further complicate the grieving process. Sudden deaths of loved ones are significant risk factors for psychological complications and complex grief reactions (Schaal, Jacob, Dusingizemungu & Elbert, 2010).
Social support perception also plays a pivotal role in shaping grief progression. Family conflicts, lack of sharing, and insufficient support may contribute to pathological grief. Additional stressors, including critical life events, crises, or multiple concurrent losses, further complicate mourning (Worden, as cited in Bildik, 2013). Other influencing factors include the bereaved individual’s coping strategies, beliefs, values, psychological condition, gender, marital status, and age. Understanding these personal attributes and perceptions regarding death and grief is vital for determining whether an individual can navigate the process effectively. These variables also affect the bereaved person’s ability to adjust to life after loss.
Towards Effective Therapy
Although existing research links grief to various variables, comprehensive studies integrating personal dynamics of the bereaved are limited. Grief does not always conform to standard reactions or timeframes. In some cases, individuals may experience pathological grief, necessitating targeted support. Identifying factors associated with grief is essential for effective therapy. Recognizing which elements require greater attention can enhance treatment outcomes, helping bereaved individuals regain functional capacities and adapt to life post-loss.
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