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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 30, 2025

Setup and Execution of the Rapid Cycle Deliberate Practice Death Notification Curriculum

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Published on: August 5, 2020

Transitional objects of grief.

Richard D Goldstein¹, Carter R Petty², Sue E Morris³

¹Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.

Comprehensive Psychiatry

|January 25, 2020

Summary

Bereaved mothers frequently use transitional objects of grief, such as saved items from their deceased infant, to cope with loss. These objects offer comfort, even for mothers with Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD).

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Area of Science:

Psychology
Bereavement Studies
Child Psychology

Background:

Transitional objects provide comfort and connection during separation.
Bereaved parents often keep objects belonging to their deceased child.
This study investigates objects as transitional grief objects for mothers after infant loss.

Purpose of the Study:

To examine the role of transitional objects in grief for mothers who lost an infant to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
To assess the frequency and emotional impact of visiting these objects.
To explore the relationship between transitional objects and Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD).

Main Methods:

Administered questionnaires on kept objects and visiting habits.
Assessed emotions experienced during visits to transitional objects.
Utilized the Parental Bereavement Questionnaire to diagnose PGD.

Main Results:

98.6% of mothers reported having transitional objects of grief.
Most mothers visited objects weekly, irrespective of PGD status.
Mothers with PGD experienced more distress during visits, particularly private ones, but found comfort that reduced existential distress.

Conclusions:

Transitional objects of grief are prevalent among bereaved mothers.
These objects are linked to significant aspects of the grieving process.
Further research is needed to explore the therapeutic potential of transitional objects in bereavement adjustment.