Investigating the psychometric properties of the Turkish form of the Grief and Meaning Reconstruction Inventory

Abstract

Investigating the psychometric properties of the Turkish form of the Grief and Meaning Reconstruction InventoryObjective: The aim of this study is to adapt the Grief and Meaning Reconstruction Inventory (GMRI) to Turkish. Method: Three hundred and six adults who lost their spouse or one of their parents or siblings due to death in a period between 6 months and 10 years previously were included in the study. The participants were asked to complete a questionnaire set including GMRI, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and a demographic information form that was generated by the researchers. To investigate the psychometric properties of the Turkish form of the scale, exploratory factor analyses, parallel analysis, reliability analyses (Cronbach's alpha), correlation analyses, and regression analyses were conducted. Results: Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) showed that the Turkish form of the GMRI consisted of 27 items and 4 subscales. Parallel analysis also supported a four-factor structure. Cronbach's alpha values for the Turkish form of the GMRI were found to be similar to the original scale. Correlation analyses showed that the GMRI scores were strongly negatively correlated with both depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms. In addition, after controlling for the time elapsed since the loss, age of the bereaved, education level of the bereaved, and age of the deceased person, GMRI scores were found to be a significant negative predictor of BDI and STAI scores. Conclusion: This study showed that the Turkish version of the GMRI can be used in Turkish culture as a valid and reliable measurement tool.

Investigation of the relationship between continuing bonds and adjustment after the death of a first‐degree family member by using the Multidimensional Continuing Bonds Scale

“…According to Neimeyer (2006), if bereaved people can make sense of their loss, find something positive in it, and change their own identity according to new roles in life, their capacity for adaptation increases. In studies to date, meaning reconstruction has been found to have a negative relationship with prolonged grief symptoms (e.g., Gillies et al, 2015; Holland et al, 2006; Keser & Isikli, 2018). People who can make sense of the loss they experienced, see a positive side of the loss, and rearrange their identities might also use continuing bonds as a more adaptive coping mechanism.…”

“…The test–retest reliability values were found to be between 0.60 and 0.73. The GMRI was adapted to Turkish culture by Keser and Isikli (2018). Cronbach's α values of the Turkish form of the subscales were between 0.74 and 0.85 (Keser & Isikli, 2018).…”

“…The GMRI was adapted to Turkish culture by Keser and Isikli (2018). Cronbach's α values of the Turkish form of the subscales were between 0.74 and 0.85 (Keser & Isikli, 2018). In this study, the Turkish form of the scale was used, and Cronbach's α values were calculated to be between 0.75 and 0.85.…”

“…Meaning reconstruction is a re‐writing process of the self‐narrative by using sense‐making, benefit finding, and identity change themes (Neimeyer, 2016). To date, numerous studies showed that there is a positive correlation between meaning reconstruction and decreased prolonged grief, depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress symptoms (e.g., Gillies et al, 2015; Keser & Isikli, 2018; Milman et al, 2019). Some researchers suggest whether continuing bonds are adaptive or maladaptive can be understood might depend on the meaning reconstruction level of bereaved people (e.g., Neimeyer et al, 2006; Stroebe et al, 2010).…”

Prolonged grief, reconstruction of meaning, and posttraumatic growth in nursing home residents who have lost loved ones

“…It has been shown that in order for a person to overcome the grieving process after a loss and reintegrate into the rhythm of daily life, it is necessary to reconstruct the collapsed world of meaning. 7 In addition to the grief experience, older adults often report a search for finding or reconstructing meaning in their lives after the death of a loved one. 8 In Neimeyer's constructivist approach, creating and reconstructing meaning after a death involves mourners reconciling with the loss, recognizing the growth or benefit that the experience of loss may have brought them, and reorganizing their personal identity.…”