Shame on us
Thomas Scheff's research aims to define basic emotions, particularly shame, using historical and linguistic analysis. He identifies two types of shame: overt and bypassed, which are often hidden or misnamed in modern societies.
Grief
Articles tagged with Grief
Clinical trial examined treatment for complicated grief in older individuals
A clinical trial found that a targeted treatment for complicated grief in older individuals was more effective than traditional depression therapy, with 70.5% symptom improvement compared to 32%. The new approach resolved grief complications and facilitated natural mourning, offering hope for millions of people affected by this debilit...
Study links unexpected death of a loved one with onset of psychiatric disorders
Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that the unexpected death of a loved one can trigger a range of psychiatric disorders in people with no history of mental illness. The study, which analyzed data from over 27,000 participants, showed that losing a loved one suddenly raised the risk of major depr...
The Lancet Psychiatry: Reliance on voluntary sector support for suicide bereavement 'unsustainable and inappropriate'
People bereaved by suicide are at increased risk of suicide, depression, and mental illness compared to those affected by other sudden deaths. The Lancet Psychiatry review emphasizes the need for more comprehensive support from health and social services.
Rush to prescribe: Study questions speed in giving antidepressants to grieving parents
A study found that 88% of bereaved parents were prescribed antidepressants within a month of losing their child, despite concerns about the effectiveness and timing of treatment. Researchers suggest a more cautious approach and consider psychosocial interventions first.
Death of partner associated with increased risk of heart attack, stroke
The risk of heart attack or stroke increases significantly in the 30 days following a partner's death. Bereavement is associated with cardiovascular events and may be linked to adverse physiological responses during acute grief.
Grieving for Tony Soprano: How the public responds to the death of a brand
Researchers found that when a brand's narrative has more to give, closure is harder to accept, while a more believable end is easier. The study also shows that brand death leads to the loss of sociality surrounding the brand.
Why belief in the supernatural is only natural
A study by Cristine Legare and André Souza found that rituals help people feel a sense of control over their environment, while Michael Norton's research on grief also highlights the benefits of rituals. This new research on Halloween rituals provides insight into human behavior and the power of ritual in shaping our lives.
Virtual tombstones, tattoo tributes and mourning T-shirts are growing in popularity
People are increasingly using virtual tombs, tattoos, and mourning apparel to honor the dead. According to Baylor researcher Candi Cann, these 'do-it-yourself' memorials offer personal alternatives to traditional rituals.
Hospital trusts fall short of recommended standards on post mortem consent
A recent analysis of hospital trust policies found significant shortcomings in post mortem exam procedures, with many failing to explain the law behind consent or outline clear processes for obtaining consent. The study highlights the need for adequate guidance to ensure that patients are treated with dignity and respect after death.
Study reveals benefits of wishes on seriously ill children and their parents
A new study found that granting wishes to seriously ill children and their families has a positive effect on wellbeing. Parents reported feeling distracted, creating an important memory, and experiencing mixed emotions.
Gone but not forgotten: Yearning for lost loved ones linked to altered thinking about the future
A new study published in Clinical Psychological Science found that adults suffering from complicated grief retain their ability to recall specific memories of their past when those events involve the deceased. They often generate impossible future scenarios with the deceased relative to their difficulty imagining a realistic future.
Being stoic for the spouse's sake comes at a high cost
Researchers studied how couples cope with child loss and found that suppressing emotions can worsen grief. The study suggests that clinicians should guide clients away from 'staying strong' for partners to ease their suffering.
Support needed for children losing parent at early age
A study exploring the impact of early parental death found that individuals experiencing bereavement as children are more likely to experience low self-esteem, loneliness, and isolation in adult life. Researchers recommend providing essential practical support and maintaining social networks to mitigate these effects.
Grief stages can be likened to pinball machine workings, Baylor University Researcher says
A Baylor University researcher has developed a model likening grief stages to a pinball machine, explaining why grieving is never complete and can be triggered by various events. The study uses the pinball analogy to help individuals in mourning understand their chaotic experience and prepare for future triggers.
Nurses examine caregiver grief
Researchers developed a theory of caregiving through the end of life, comparing it to a theory on bereavement. They found significant conceptual similarities between the two theories, validating both models. The study aims to help nurses provide timely support to family caregivers after a loved one's death.
Columbia University Medical Center and NY-Presbyterian experts at APA meeting
Researchers from Columbia University Medical Center will present on grief and major depression, exploring the complexities of complicated grief. The session also delves into the ethics of psychiatric relationships with pharmaceutical companies, highlighting the need for a balanced approach to patient care.
Grief is not an illness and should not be routinely treated with antidepressants
The Lancet Editorial expresses concerns about the new DSM-5 edition's lack of exclusion for bereavement. The current draft diagnoses feelings of deep sadness after loss as depression, rather than grief, with no evidence base for treating recently bereaved individuals with antidepressants.
Heart attack risk rises after loss of loved one
A recent study published in Circulation found that the risk of heart attack increases significantly after losing a loved one. The research, led by BIDMC, revealed an elevated risk of heart attack in the first 24 hours (21 times normal) and remained high for at least a month.
Grief over losing loved one linked to higher heart attack risks
Research finds that grief increases heart attack risk by 21 times within the first day, declining steadily over the first month. Grieving spouses are also at higher long-term risk of dying from heart disease and strokes.
Traumatic experiences may make you tough
Research suggests that small amounts of trauma can help individuals develop resilience, contrary to the common notion that traumatic experiences are always detrimental. People who have experienced some negative life events tend to have better outcomes than those with no adverse experiences or those with excessive adversity.
Spousal death key link to loss of independent living for seniors
A University of Alberta researcher found that losing a spouse can trigger the need for surviving spouses to leave their homes and lose independence. The study suggests that policymakers should provide services and counseling for recently widowed seniors to help them make informed decisions about their living arrangements.
Most cancer physicians reach out to bereaved family, caregivers
A study found that most cancer care physicians initiate contact with bereaved family members and caregivers after a patient's death. However, over two-thirds of physicians reported inadequate training in this area during their residency or fellowship. The most common forms of follow-up were sending condolence letters and making telepho...
Comments with the series, including from stillbirth-affected families, the Lancet, and the Gates Foundation
Stillbirths occur at an alarming rate of 3 million annually worldwide. Families affected often struggle with grief and lack recognition, leading to feelings of isolation. The Lancet's commentary emphasizes the need for increased awareness and support for those experiencing stillbirth.
Death of spouse, child may cause higher heart rate, other dangers
Recently bereaved individuals experience elevated heart rates and potentially harmful heart rhythm changes, increasing the risk of heart attack and sudden cardiac death. These effects tend to normalize within six months.
Researchers analyze student grief online after campus shootings
A new study of student reactions to campus shootings found that online activities neither helped nor harmed long-term psychological health. Students reported feeling better after participating in online memorials and communications, but these effects did not translate into long-term change.
The CSIC presents the Archive of Mourning concerning the terrorist attacks in Madrid
The CSIC's project analyzes the makeshift altars created after the Madrid bombings, revealing their performative nature as a form of political participation. The investigation highlights the importance of collective trauma, mourning, and social action in response to collective events.
Physician-assisted suicide does not increase severity of depression, grief among family members
A study by Oregon Health & Science University found that family members of loved ones who received physician-assisted suicide did not experience higher levels of depression and grief compared to those whose loved ones died without it. In fact, these families reported feeling more prepared for and accepting of their loved one's death.
Trust in a teardrop
A Tel Aviv University researcher suggests that tears signal vulnerability and attachment, making interpersonal relationships stronger. Crying is not just a symptom of pain or stress, but an evolution-based mechanism to bring people closer together.
Detection of 'prolonged grief disorder' may help bereaved individuals
A new study identifies criteria for detecting prolonged grief disorder (PGD), a condition characterized by enduring distress and dysfunction after a loss. The criteria, supported by experts, may help clinicians diagnose PGD and provide targeted treatments.
Hospital dramatically increases transplant donations by integrating bereavement and donor services
A UK hospital has seen a significant increase in tissue donations, including corneas, after combining its bereavement and donation services. The service, which provides round-the-clock support to staff, has helped identify more potential donors and referred them to the regional transplant donor coordinators.
Economic crisis heightens financial fallout for bereaved
A recent study found that one in five people fall below the poverty line following a partner's death, with women being more at risk. The research highlights the need for better awareness of financial issues and support systems to help bereaved individuals adjust to their new economic situation.
Specialist nurses boost parental willingness to consent to post-mortem research on children
A telephone consenting system piloted by specialist nurses improved parents' willingness to consent to post-mortem research on their children. The study found that most parents viewed the process positively and appreciated the opportunity to discuss post-mortem options with a bereavement nurse.
Tsunami survivors experienced complex trauma and grieving process says new study
Researchers found that tsunami survivors went through a complex process of trauma and grief, with nine chronological themes emerging from in-depth interviews. The study aimed to provide guidance for healthcare professionals to deal with traumatic events.
Depression common among Rwandan youth who head households
A study in Rwanda found that nearly half of orphaned youth aged 12-24 who head households meet criteria for depression. The combined effects of the genocide and HIV epidemic have left many orphans vulnerable to poverty, social marginalization, and poor health.
Study shows that chronic grief activates pleasure areas of the brain
A study found that chronic grief activates neurons in reward centers of the brain, which may give memories addiction-like properties. This research may help psychologists treat those with complicated grief better.
Disturbed sleep is prevalent in widowed seniors
A study of 28 spousally bereaved seniors found significant sleep disruption, with grief-related differences in alertness and reduced daytime regularity. The research highlights the importance of maintaining good sleep hygiene to mitigate the negative effects of disturbed sleep on mental health.
Study: Treating post-traumatic stress first helps children overcome grief
A new University of Georgia study finds that treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms before grief therapy is essential for helping children cope with loss. Camp-based interventions have been shown to be beneficial, providing a supportive environment where children can process their emotions and develop coping skills.
Bereavement increases death rate from many causes including suicide
Research suggests that bereavement increases mortality risk from multiple causes, including suicide and illness. Studies have consistently shown a higher risk of death among bereaved individuals, particularly in the early weeks and months after loss.
Negative grief emotions decline about 6 months after the loss of a loved one
A study of 233 individuals found that negative grief emotions such as yearning and anger peak at specific times after loss, declining by approximately six months. Acceptance is the most frequently endorsed item, increasing steadily over time.
Strategies that teach a caregiver to manage a loved one's illness also helps in coping with death
A University of Pittsburgh-led study found that caregiving interventions for dementia can also prevent complicated grief and depression after the loved one's death. The study, which followed 1,222 caregivers, showed that reducing caregiver burden, treating depression, and providing supportive psychosocial interventions can help caregiv...
University of Kentucky professor's child bereavement research makes psychiatric news
A recent study by UK researcher Cerel explores the connection between parental death and psychiatric problems in children. The results indicate that while bereavement has a negative impact, it is less severe than clinical depression.
New complicated grief treatment holds promise for millions, Pitt researchers report
A new treatment approach for complicated grief, developed by University of Pittsburgh researchers, has shown significant promise in improving symptoms and reducing emotional pain. The treatment, which combines elements of interpersonal psychotherapy with a unique two-pronged approach, was found to be more effective than a comparison th...
Newly developed treatment for severe grief shown more effective than standard therapy
A newly developed treatment for severe grief, known as Complicated Grief Treatment (CGT), has been shown to be more effective than standard therapy in reducing symptoms of complicated grief and improving response rates. CGT was compared to Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) in a randomized controlled trial involving 83 women and 12 men.
A protein's role in progressive renal disease
Researchers investigate the role of mutated a-actinin-4 in FSGS, a leading cause of progressive kidney failure. The study reveals two possible mechanisms: aggregation and rapid degradation, which can injure kidney cells, highlighting potential therapeutic targets.
Physicians can help family members caring for dying loved ones
Physicians can help family caregivers by promoting good communication, facilitating advance care planning, and providing emotional support. They can also attend to family grief and bereavement, improving outcomes for both patients and caregivers.
Better end-of-life care in the ICU
A national survey of ICU directors found that over 85% identified at least one large barrier to end-of-life care, including unrealistic expectations and insufficient training in communication. The survey also revealed that widely endorsed strategies such as training and symptom management are not always available in institutions.
Good grief: Religious people may have better health while mourning
A new study published in the International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine found that religious individuals who cope with grief through religion experience better physical and mental health outcomes. After four months, these individuals reported similar health status to less religious counterparts, but had fewer doctor visits.
Good practice guidelines for mothers after stillbirth 'unjustified'
A study of 65 women who experienced stillbirth found that those who saw their dead baby were more likely to develop depression and anxiety. Women who did not see their stillborn child had lower rates of mental health issues, suggesting that forcing mothers to confront their loss may be counterproductive.
Spiritual beliefs and existential meaning in later life
A study of recently bereaved older people found that those with weaker spiritual beliefs were more likely to experience depression symptoms. However, moderate believers showed that spiritual help can be beneficial in coping with loss, and strong believers demonstrated a strong sense of personal meaning.
Study focuses on effects of communal bereavement
Researchers analyzed data from 1973-1995 to find a significant rise in very low birthweight following Prime Minister Olof Palme's murder and ferry Estonia disaster. The study suggests that communal bereavement can affect public health, even if the event is rare or less visible.
Giving cannibalism a human face
Cannibalism is reevaluated as a complex practice with positive meanings among the Wari' people of the Amazon rainforest. The study reveals that funerary cannibalism was an act of affection, respect, and coping mechanism for grief, helping survivors to reconcile with their deceased loved ones.