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Facets of pejorative self-processing in complicated grief
Ann-Marie J Golden1, Tim Dalgleish
1Emotion Research Group, Medical Research Council Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, United Kingdom. ann-marie.golden@mrccbu.cam.ac.uk
Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology
|February 15, 2012
Summary
Complicated grief (CG) involves self-devaluation and negative future self-cognitions, distinguishing it from depression. This research clarifies CG
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Complicated grief (CG) is a proposed distinct bereavement response.
- Cognitive-affective processing in CG remains under-investigated.
- CG's processing similarities/differences with other emotional disorders are unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate negative self-processing in CG.
- Examine self-related attributions, self-devaluation, and future self-cognitions in CG.
- Compare CG's processing profile with other emotional disorders.
Main Methods:
- Three studies assessed self-processing domains using self-report and scenario-based measures.
- Study 1: Correlational design in a bereaved sample.
- Studies 2 & 3: Extreme-groups and diagnostic comparisons of CG symptoms/diagnosis.
Main Results:
- CG is characterized by self-devaluation and negative future self-cognitions.
- No significant relationship found between CG and negative self-related attributions.
- Findings highlight distinct cognitive-affective processing in CG.
Conclusions:
- CG exhibits a unique self-related cognitive processing profile.
- This profile differs from major depression and other disorders.
- Findings have implications for CG's psychological treatment and nosological status.
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