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How we continue bonds with deceased persons: The proximity-seeking behavior scale
Maarten C Eisma1, Linh T H Nguyen1
1Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.
Researchers created the Proximity-Seeking Behavior Scale (PSBS) to measure actions taken to maintain connections with deceased loved ones. This new scale shows good reliability and validity in assessing these behaviors among bereaved adults.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Bereavement Studies
- Grief Research
Background:
- Continuing bonds with the deceased is a complex psychological process.
- This process involves perceptions, beliefs, and overt behaviors.
- Existing measures may not fully capture the behavioral aspect of continuing bonds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate the Proximity-Seeking Behavior Scale (PSBS).
- To assess overt behaviors associated with maintaining connections with a deceased person.
- To provide a reliable instrument for grief research.
Main Methods:
- Development of the Proximity-Seeking Behavior Scale (PSBS).
- Online survey administered to 694 bereaved adults.
- Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses for scale validation.
- Reliability testing and correlational analyses.
Main Results:
- Factor analyses supported a one-factor model for the PSBS.
- The PSBS demonstrated good internal consistency and reliability.
- PSBS scores positively correlated with rumination, yearning, perceived connection, prolonged grief, and depression symptoms.
Conclusions:
- The Proximity-Seeking Behavior Scale (PSBS) is a reliable and valid measure.
- PSBS effectively assesses overt behaviors related to continuing bonds.
- The scale can be a valuable tool for understanding grief and bereavement.
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