CCIS Grief, Loss & Bereavement Crisis Intervention 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to Worden's Tasks of Mourning model, which task involves the bereaved person adjusting to an environment in which the deceased is missing?
- Accepting the reality of the loss
- Adjusting to a changed world (Correct answer)
- Processing the pain of grief
- Finding an enduring connection with the deceased
Correct answer: Adjusting to a changed world
Worden's third task involves adapting to external, internal, and spiritual changes resulting from the loss, including new roles and identity shifts.
Question 2: Which type of grief is characterized by the bereaved individual experiencing an intense, prolonged grief reaction that significantly impairs functioning for more than 12 months?
- Anticipatory grief
- Disenfranchised grief
- Prolonged grief disorder (Correct answer)
- Uncomplicated grief
Correct answer: Prolonged grief disorder
Prolonged grief disorder (also called complicated grief) is diagnosed when acute grief symptoms persist beyond 12 months and cause significant functional impairment.
Question 3: A crisis interventionist is working with a client whose grief is not acknowledged or supported by others because the loss is not publicly recognized. This is best described as:
- Traumatic grief
- Disenfranchised grief (Correct answer)
- Anticipatory grief
- Ambiguous loss
Correct answer: Disenfranchised grief
Disenfranchised grief occurs when the bereaved person's loss is not openly acknowledged, publicly mourned, or socially supported, such as the death of a pet or a miscarriage.
Question 4: In the Dual Process Model of coping with bereavement (Stroebe & Schut), which orientation involves the bereaved person confronting and processing the grief itself?
- Restoration orientation
- Loss orientation (Correct answer)
- Oscillation orientation
- Avoidance orientation
Correct answer: Loss orientation
The loss orientation involves directly confronting grief, including crying, longing, and processing the emotional pain of the bereavement.
Question 5: Which statement best describes 'ambiguous loss' as defined by Pauline Boss?
- A loss that occurs suddenly without warning
- A loss where the person is physically absent but psychologically present, or vice versa (Correct answer)
- A loss that is acknowledged publicly but not grieved personally
- A loss that resolves completely after a brief mourning period
Correct answer: A loss where the person is physically absent but psychologically present, or vice versa
Ambiguous loss refers to situations where closure is impossible because the loss is unclear, such as when a loved one has dementia or is missing.
Question 6: When assessing a bereaved client for suicide risk, which factor most significantly elevates risk in the context of grief?
- Crying frequently during sessions
- Loss of a child or spouse combined with social isolation (Correct answer)
- Expressing sadness and missing the deceased
- Returning to work within two months of the loss
Correct answer: Loss of a child or spouse combined with social isolation
Losing a spouse or child, especially when combined with social isolation, is one of the strongest risk factors for suicide among bereaved individuals.
Question 7: A crisis worker encounters a client who lost a family member to suicide. Which clinical consideration is MOST important in this situation?
- Encouraging the client to move on quickly to avoid prolonged sadness
- Recognizing that suicide loss survivors are at elevated risk for complicated grief and suicide themselves (Correct answer)
- Avoiding any mention of the manner of death to prevent distress
- Referring immediately to inpatient care regardless of current functioning
Correct answer: Recognizing that suicide loss survivors are at elevated risk for complicated grief and suicide themselves
Suicide loss survivors face heightened risk for complicated grief, PTSD, and suicidal ideation, requiring specialized support and careful risk assessment.
CCIS Grief, Loss & Bereavement Crisis Intervention 1
According to Worden's Tasks of Mourning model, which task involves the bereaved person adjusting to an environment in which the deceased is missing?