Beyond Borders: Mapping the Conceptualization of Culture in the Research Field on ICD-11 Prolonged Grief Disorder’s Culture Criterion Through a Narrative Review

Objective: To synthesize how culture is conceptualized and operationalized in research on Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) as defined in the ICD-11, with specific attention to the cultural criterion. Methods: A narrative review was conducted based on systematic searches in PsycINFO, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus (N = 32). Articles analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: The review reveals a predominant framing of culture as an external and variable influence on an otherwise universal pathological condition. Three themes were identified: (1) culture as an external variable, (2) PGD as a universal construct, and (3) inconsistent definitions of cultural norms and cultural groups. These patterns indicate conceptual ambiguity and challenges in operationalizing the ICD-11 cultural criterion. Conclusions: Greater conceptual clarity and reflexivity regarding culture and Western-based diagnostic frameworks are needed, particularly in global contexts. The findings underscore limitations that may require substantial revisions to support culturally sensitive understandings of grief.