Research: Bereavement

Raphael's (1983) survey of bereavement research encompassed more than four hundred published works. The present review focuses upon empirical research, counselling, and treatment conducted over the past decade. Results suggest that we cannot over-simplify the problem of bereavement. Mobilization of mutual support resources in the neighborhood and community can provide effective help for some people who are attempting to cope with bereavement-associated problems. However, there is also a substantial number of people who require other types of interventions. More must be learned about the complex sequence of events that lead to adverse physical, mental, or social consequences in bereavement, and about the types of intervention that are most effective in each situation.