Identity confusion in complicated grief: A closer look

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Bereavement Studies
• Grief Research

Background:

• Complicated grief (CG) involves identity confusion, suggesting compromised self-concept.
• Specific aspects of self-concept affected by CG remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate differences in self-concept descriptors between individuals with and without CG.
• To identify specific self-concept components impacted by complicated grief.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative coding of self-concept descriptors from 77 bereaved adults.
• Comparison of self-concept aspects between groups with and without CG.

Main Results:

• Individuals with CG exhibited lower self-fluency (fewer overall descriptors).
• Those with CG showed reduced self-diversity (fewer categories of descriptors).
• Lower proportions of self-relevant preferences and activities were found in the CG group.

Conclusions:

• CG is associated with a diminished and less diverse self-concept.
• Specific deficits in self-concept related to preferences and activities are linked to CG.
• Findings inform future research and clinical interventions for complicated grief.