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.
The Fundamental Paradox in the Grief Literature: A Critical Reflection
Authors:
Breen, Lauren J.
O’Conner, Moira
Source:
Omega: 2007. Volume 55, pp. 199-218.
Summary
The article identifies a “fundamental paradox” in the current grief literature. The paradox is that the grief literature emphasizes the unique nature of each grief experience while simultaneously attempting to draw a clear distinction between normal and pathological grief. The authors also note that classic grief theories, which tend to emphasize a linear progression through the grief experience and often convey an expectation of resolution, are still the dominant source of information for many grief service providers. However, the authors note that the classical grief models have been challenged in recent years with many quantitative and qualitative research studies that have contributed to the development of new theories regarding the grief experience. The new research is presented primarily in academic journal articles; however, service providers rarely access this source of information. Thus, service providers still base their interventions on outdated classical models of grief, and are not integrating the new knowledge that is being generated by current research. The authors recommend that service providers receive improved education in grief and bereavement and incorporate information developed in recent research into their interventions.
Key words: complicated, trauma, prolonged, education
Service Provider Implications
The article suggests that service providers enhance their understanding of current research in grief and bereavement and incorporate new theories into the interventions they offer to the bereaved.
