The Increasing Prevalence of Complicated Mourning: The Onslaught is Just Beginning

In this article, complicated mourning is operationalized in relation to the six “R” processes of mourning and its seven high-risk factors are identified. The main thesis is that the prevalence of complicated mourning is increasing today due to a number of contemporary sociocultural and technological...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Omega: Journal of Death and Dying 1993-01, Vol.26 (1), p.43-59
Main Author: Rando, Therese A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Complicated
Complicated Mourning
Death
Emotional Response
Grief
Incidence
Mourning
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Summary:In this article, complicated mourning is operationalized in relation to the six “R” processes of mourning and its seven high-risk factors are identified. The main thesis is that the prevalence of complicated mourning is increasing today due to a number of contemporary sociocultural and technological trends which have influenced 1) today's types of death; 2) the characteristics of personal relationships severed by today's deaths; and 3) the personality and resources of today's mourner. Additionally, specific problems in both the mental health profession and the field of thanatology further escalate complicated mourning by preventing or interfering with requisite treatment. Thus, complicated mourning is on the rise at the precise time when caregivers are unprepared and limited in their abilities to respond. New treatment policies and models are mandated as a consequence.
ISSN:0030-2228
1541-3764
DOI:10.2190/7MDL-RJTF-NA2D-NPQF