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Risks for complicated grief in family caregivers
Angela Ghesquiere1, Yamile M Martí Haidar, M Katherine Shear
1School of Social Work, Columbia University, 1255 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10027, USA. ag2813@columbia.edu
Journal of Social Work in End-Of-Life & Palliative Care
|September 8, 2011
Summary
Family caregivers may develop complicated grief (CG), a disorder of intense distress, due to pre-death stressors. This review identifies risk factors and discusses interventions for preventing and treating CG in this population.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Bereavement Studies
- Caregiver Support
Background:
- Complicated grief (CG) is a recognized disorder causing intense distress and functional impairment in bereaved individuals.
- An estimated 20% of bereaved individuals may develop CG.
- Family caregivers face unique risks for CG due to pre-death stressors inherent in their role.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing literature on complicated grief in family caregivers.
- To identify pre-bereavement risk factors associated with CG in this population.
- To discuss implications for clinical practice, including preventive and therapeutic interventions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on complicated grief and family caregivers.
- Analysis of identified pre-bereavement risk factors.
- Discussion of clinical implications and intervention strategies.
Main Results:
- Family caregivers are at heightened risk for complicated grief.
- Specific pre-death stressors associated with caregiving are significant risk factors for CG.
- Preventive and therapeutic interventions are crucial for managing CG in family caregivers.
Conclusions:
- Understanding pre-bereavement risk factors is key to addressing complicated grief in family caregivers.
- Early intervention and targeted therapeutic techniques can mitigate the impact of CG.
- Support for family caregivers should incorporate strategies to prevent and treat complicated grief.
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