Effects of Sudden vs. Chronic Illness Death on Bereavement Outcome

Eighty-six bereaved participants were interviewed shortly after the death of a close family member and again eighteen months later. The Grief Experience Inventory and MMPI were administered on both occasions. Responses were separated into three groups according to the mode of death; sudden death (N = 33), long-term chronic illness (N = 27), and short-term chronic illness death (N = 26). Analysis of data yielded no statistically significant differences among groups but indicated some important trends. The short-term chronic illness group made the most favorable adjustment to bereavement. While the sudden death and long-term chronic illness death groups sustained higher intensities of bereavement at eighteen months, there appeared to be both qualitative and quantitative differences between the reactions of these two groups. The sudden death group indicated an internalized emotional response described as an “anger-in” or intropunitive response causing them to sustain prolonged physical stress. The long-term chronic illness group expressed an “anger-out” response which, while creating a picture of dejection, frustration, and loneliness, did not cause them to sustain the prolonged physiological component.