The Paths of Adjustment to Loss: Prolonged Grief Disorder and Posttraumatic Growth

The (in)ability to accept and find meaning in the loss of a loved one can lead to the development of prolonged grief disorder (PGD), a return to normal level of functioning, or posttraumatic growth (PTG). This study aims to examine the factors that can predict PGD and PTG, in order to understand the differences between these two paths of adjustment. 269 bereaved adults participated in completing a questionnaire on PGD, PTG, presence and search for meaning, spirituality, relationship quality, depression, and anxiety. Results show that there are common factors that positively predict both intense grief and posttraumatic growth, such as the impact of the event, spirituality, and a relationship of proximity. The final model explained 68% and 32% of the variance of symptoms of PGD and PTG, respectively. This study highlights the importance of examining PGD and PTG together to understand better what distinguishes an adaptive from a maladaptive adjustment to grief.