The impact of complicated grief on mental and physical health at various points in the bereavement process

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Carol H Ott1

  • 1School of Nursing, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. carolott@uwm.edu

Death Studies
|April 22, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Complicated grief (CG) after spousal bereavement is linked to persistent mental health issues. Early identification of CG is crucial for intervention and improving long-term well-being.

Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Psychiatry
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Spousal bereavement is a significant life event associated with mental and physical health challenges.
  • Complicated grief (CG) is a prolonged and intense form of grief that may impact long-term health outcomes.
  • Understanding the trajectory of CG and its health consequences is vital for developing effective interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between complicated grief (CG) during spousal bereavement and subsequent mental and physical health problems.
  • To determine if CG, identified at different time points, predicts adverse health outcomes 18 months later.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort sequential study design was employed with 112 participants.
  • Data were collected at four time points.
  • Complicated grief was assessed using the Inventory of Complicated Grief (ICG).
  • Mental health was measured using the Mental Health Index (MHI), and physical health was self-reported.

Main Results:

  • Twenty-nine participants met criteria for complicated grief (CG).
  • The CG group exhibited significantly lower Mental Health Index (MHI) scores starting at 6 months post-bereavement, with persistent effects.
  • Individuals with CG reported more life stressors, less social support, and less improvement in MHI scores compared to the non-CG group.

Conclusions:

  • The presence of complicated grief (CG) at 6 months or later post-spousal bereavement is a significant indicator for mental health decline.
  • Early identification and professional intervention for CG are recommended to mitigate long-term mental and physical health problems.
  • Findings support the consideration of complicated grief (CG) as a distinct diagnosis in the DSM.

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