The dual process model of coping with bereavement: a decade on

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Bereavement Studies
• Grief Research

Background:

• Previous models of coping with loss had limitations in explaining adaptive grieving processes.
• The need for a more comprehensive theoretical framework for understanding bereavement was identified.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the Dual Process Model of Coping with Bereavement (DPM).
• To explain the rationale behind the DPM's development, highlighting its advantages over earlier models.
• To summarize theoretical and empirical advancements related to the DPM since its inception.

Main Methods:

• The article provides a theoretical exposition of the DPM.
• It contrasts the DPM with other existing models of coping with loss.
• A review of subsequent theoretical and empirical developments is presented.

Main Results:

• The DPM is presented as a model that overcomes limitations of earlier coping theories.
• Key dimensions differentiating the DPM from other models are outlined.
• Theoretical and empirical progress since 1999 is summarized.

Conclusions:

• The DPM provides a robust framework for understanding coping with bereavement.
• Future research guidelines are proposed to rigorously test the DPM empirically.
• The model's ongoing development and empirical validation are emphasized.