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Family coping and bereavement outcome
D W Kissane1, D P McKenzie, S Bloch
1University of Melbourne Centre for Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, St Vincent's Hospital, Victoria, Australia.
Palliative Medicine
|May 1, 1997
Summary
Family coping significantly influences bereavement outcomes in families grieving a parent
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Oncology
- Sociology
Background:
- Parental cancer death impacts families.
- Bereavement is a complex process.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine psychosocial factors influencing bereavement outcomes.
- To identify key predictors of grief, depression, distress, and social adjustment.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of 115 Australian families after parental cancer death.
- Data collected via semistructured interviews and standardized questionnaires.
- Regression analyses identified significant correlates of bereavement outcomes.
Main Results:
- Family coping was the strongest predictor of bereavement outcomes.
- Family functioning explained significant variance in grief (38%), distress (64%), depression (53%), and social adjustment (46%).
Conclusions:
- Family functioning is a critical component of social support in bereavement.
- Effective family coping strategies can mitigate negative bereavement outcomes.