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.
Descriptions of Social Support in Treatment Narratives of Complicated Grievers
Authors:
Wilsey, Stephanie A.
Shear, Katherine M.
Source:
Death Studies: 2007. Volume 31, pp. 801-819.
Summary
This qualitative study focused on 22 outpatients who participated in a complicated grief program. The study focused on how social support may affect complicated grief. The authors found that the presence of positive social support was not sufficient to prevent complicated grief. The authors also concluded that the lack of social support may play a significant role in the prevalence of anger, bitterness, and unpleasant thoughts toward the living.
Key words: complicated, prolonged, social, support, trauma
Service Provider Implications
This study indicates that complicated grief may occur even in those who have positive social support.
