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Negative cognitions and avoidance in emotional problems after bereavement: a prospective study
Paul A Boelen1, Jan van den Bout, Marcel A van den Hout
1Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80140, 3508 TC Utrecht, The Netherlands. P.Boelen@fss.uu.nl
Behaviour Research and Therapy
|February 7, 2006
Summary
Negative cognitions strongly predict emotional problems following bereavement, including complicated grief (CG) and depression. Avoidance also plays a role, particularly in depression development, warranting further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Bereavement Studies
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Background:
- Grief theories suggest negative cognitions and avoidance impact emotional well-being after loss.
- Understanding these factors is crucial for addressing psychological distress post-bereavement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the role of negative cognitions and avoidance in emotional problems following bereavement.
- To assess the predictive power of these factors on complicated grief and depression symptoms over time.
Main Methods:
- Ninety-seven individuals bereaved less than 5 months completed questionnaires on cognitions, avoidance, and symptoms.
- Symptom measures were reassessed at 7-10 months and 16-19 months post-loss.
Main Results:
- Negative cognitions and avoidance were significantly associated with concurrent and future grief and depression symptoms.
- Cognitive variables predicted later complicated grief and depression, controlling for initial symptoms.
- Avoidance predicted additional depression variance at a later time point.
Conclusions:
- Negative cognitions are key contributors to emotional difficulties after bereavement.
- The role of avoidance in the development of these problems requires additional research.
- Findings support cognitive behavioral conceptualizations of grief.