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Related Experiment Videos

Cautioning Health-Care Professionals.

Margaret Stroebe1,2, Henk Schut1, Kathrin Boerner3

  • 11 Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.

Omega
|March 31, 2017
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

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Grief stage theory is widely used but lacks evidence and can be harmful. This review argues for discarding stage theory in favor of alternative models that better represent grieving processes.

Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Bereavement Studies
  • Mental Health

Background:

  • The stage theory of grief, which posits a set pattern of reactions over time, remains influential in healthcare practice and research.
  • This theory is often interpreted prescriptively, suggesting a required progression for adapting to loss.
  • Concerns exist regarding its empirical evidence, conceptual clarity, and practical utility, especially with the DSM-5's consideration of persistent complex bereavement-related disorder.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To critically assess the status and value of the stage theory of grief.
  • To examine the empirical evidence, conceptual clarity, and practical utility of grief stage theory.
  • To advocate for the abandonment of stage theory in favor of more accurate models of grieving.

Main Methods:

Keywords:
BereavementGriefKübler-RossReviewStage theory

Related Experiment Videos

  • Literature review and critical analysis of the stage theory of grief.
  • Examination of empirical evidence supporting and refuting the stage theory.
  • Comparison of stage theory with alternative models of grieving.

Main Results:

  • The stage theory of grief lacks robust empirical support and conceptual clarity.
  • It offers limited practical utility for treatment allocation or identifying at-risk individuals.
  • The prescriptive nature of stage theory can be detrimental to individuals whose grieving does not follow this pattern.

Conclusions:

  • Stage theory of grief should be discarded due to its lack of evidence and potential harm.
  • Alternative models that better represent the complexity and individuality of grieving processes should be adopted.
  • Guidelines are proposed to facilitate a transition away from the stage-based approach in theory and practice.