Citation

Feigelman W, Bottomley JS, Titlestad KB. Death Stud. 2023; 47(4): 400-409.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2023, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/07481187.2022.2081267

PMID

35652152

Abstract

We conducted an online survey with individuals bereaved by drug deaths (n = 115), suicide (n = 185) and sudden natural deaths (n = 103), including questions about anticipating the death vs. shock, other behaviors, established measures of mental health and grieving difficulties.

RESULTS showed more drug death bereaved anticipating their loved one's death while suicide bereaved were more shocked. Death shocked respondents showed greater PTSD, other mental health, and grieving problems; those anticipating the death had less PTSD, grieving problems, and engaged in more meaning-making. These contrasting patterns should call for diverging clinical strategies in offering aid to these traumatically bereaved mourners.

Language: en