The National Archive of Grief Support Studies
The National Archive of Grief Support Studies(NAGSS) database provides bibliographical information and summaries of recent articles selected for their relevance to grief and bereavement service providers. The articles that are summarized are selected from scholarly, peer-reviewed journals and are intended to highlight key concepts as well as provide a brief statement of implications for service providers. Bibliographical information may be used to obtain the original article.
A Modest Proposal about Bereavement and Recovery
Authors:
Balk, David E.
Source:
Death Studies: 2008. Volume 32, pp. 84-93.
Summary
This article is an essay that raises the issue of the appropriate wording to use for individuals who suffer bereavement but eventually experience emotional, behavioral, spiritual, interpersonal, and cognitive growth. As the author notes, many researchers involved in grief and bereavement studies have begun to apply the term resiliency to the process of positive growth following a significant loss. The author states his belief that the word recovery is a more appropriate term. He notes, however, that because of common conceptions regarding the term recovery, it may be necessary to find a new term to describe the outcome of positive personal growth following bereavement.
Key words: recovery, resilience, terminology
Service Provider Implications
The author of this article suggests that service providers who work with the bereaved collaborate with researchers to identify terminology that captures the concept of bereavement followed by transforming personal growth.
