Theories of Grief
Over the decades, psychologists have developed theories to describe the journey of grieving, from the onset of loss to recovery. Most of the theories drive the concept that pain, as time passes, becomes much ephemeral. Kubler Ross’s stage theory and Worden’s four mourning tasks are among the most common grief models. In the case of this discussion, I will draw from Worden’s grief model.
A friend of mine lost his father three years after the demise of her mother. The father had been in a nursing home for two years prior. His take was that the nursing home did a terrible job taking care of him. When he received the news of his father’s death, he explains he got into a state of shock and numbness. The resident among each individual is a sacred space that we are drawn into in time of loss. It is rather unfortunate that society gives people three days of mourning.
Worden’s theory on grieving would be a significant intervention in such a grieving process. According to Worden (cite), the process of bereavement should ideally to undertake these tasks; (a) accepting the loss, (b) spurring through the agony, (c) orienting oneself in the absence of the departed as well as, (d) relocating the deceased psychologically and reinvesting in a new life without them. Worden makes sure to note that stages are not linear, and one can navigate back and forth through the tasks. This model by Worden can be argued to be holistic and beneficial as he goes further to highlight seven determinants to be considered in the mourning process.
In conclusion, various grief theories can be adopted during a loss. The above case explored the pain of a loved one’s death, but through Worden’s model, we are encouraged to embrace the pain and learn from it. Worden’s tasks theory recommends establishing an emotional connection with the departed. This concept pronounces the deceased as still relevant and meaningful in our lives.
References
Howland, M. (2016). Worden’s Tasks of Mourning: A Spiritual Exercise. Crossroads Hospice Chartible Foundation. https://crhcf.org/insights/wordens-tasks-of-mourning-spiritual-exercise/.
Morrow, A. (2020). The Four Phases and Tasks of Grief. Verywell Health https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-four-phases-and-tasks-of-grief-1132550.
Worden, J. (2009). Grief counseling and grief therapy (4th ed.). Springer Pub. Co.