Pathological grief reactions

On the classification and diagnosis of pathological grief

“…Parkes and Weiss (1983) offered a somewhat different formulation based on observational studies, but similar pathological variants: unanticipated (denial of loss), conflicted , following an ambivalent relationship (delayed or absent grief), and chronic grief, following a dependent relationship where there has been antecedent insecurity. Middleton et al (1993) likewise identified subtypologies of pathological grief. They considered delayed, absent, chronic, unresolved, and inhibited grief, though noting problems with such classification.…”

“…In fact, problems in the definition of "pathological grief" are well-recognized by bereavement researchers. According to Middleton et al (1993):…”

“…Jacobs & Kim, 1990;Middleton, Burnett, Raphael, & Martinek, 1996). To illustrate, according to Middleton et al (1993), pathological bereavement hallmarks are the ". .…”

“…Although grief may accentuate pre-existing pathology (cf. Alarcon, 1984;Middleton et al, 1993), there is a lack of empirical evidence to support the assumption that pathological grief is personality-based, that there are predisposed persons, or to explain how such factors impact on the etiology of pathological grief.…”

“…Different again from either of these "unitary" approaches are those that consider pathological grief to be evidenced via a variety of different manifestations (e.g., Middleton et al, 1993). This approach is in line with "typology subschools" (e.g., Bowlby, 1980;Lindemann, 1944;Parkes & Weiss, 1983).…”