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Post-Loss Growth (PLG) in bereavement: The missing link in posttraumatic growth
Ruth Malkinson1,2, Eliezer Witztum1,3, Robert A Neimeyer4
1International Laboratory for the Study of Bereavement, Loss and Human Resilience, School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.
Death Studies
|July 29, 2026
Summary
This study introduces Post-Loss Growth (PLG), a new concept for understanding growth in bereaved individuals. PLG emphasizes the unique relational aspects of the survivor
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Bereavement Studies
- Trauma Research
Background:
- Posttraumatic growth (PTG) is a recognized construct in bereavement.
- Existing PTG models may overlook unique growth derived from the survivor's relationship with the deceased.
- The death of a loved one is a highly stressful event.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a new construct, Post-Loss Growth (PLG), to capture relational aspects of growth after loss.
- To differentiate PLG from general posttraumatic growth.
- To explore how the continuing bond influences self-development in the bereaved.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis integrating the Two-Track Model of Bereavement (TTMB) and Meaning Reconstruction.
- Qualitative illustration through clinical vignettes and an extended case study.
- Focus on the pre- and post-death relationship between survivor and deceased.
Main Results:
- Post-Loss Growth (PLG) highlights the influence of the relational component on the bereaved self.
- The continuing bond is crucial for understanding both difficulties and growth.
- PLG offers a more nuanced view than general posttraumatic growth.
Conclusions:
- Post-Loss Growth (PLG) is a valuable construct for understanding bereavement.
- PLG can enhance assessment and intervention strategies for the bereaved.
- Further research into PLG is warranted to refine its application.
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