Perinatal Loss & Bereavement Theories Flashcards

Which theorist introduced the concept of 'continuing bonds' as a healthy aspect of grief, replacing the goal of 'letting go'?

Answer: Klass, Silverman & Nickman

Klass, Silverman & Nickman's 1996 work challenged the detachment model, proposing that maintaining an ongoing relationship with the deceased is normal and healthy.

In Rando's 'Six R Processes' of mourning, what does the second 'R' — 'React to the separation' — primarily involve?

Answer: Experiencing the pain of the loss emotionally and physically

The second R requires the mourner to fully experience and express the psychological, behavioral, social, and physical pain caused by the loss.

A bereaved mother states she finds comfort talking to her stillborn daughter's photo each morning. According to the continuing bonds theory, this behavior is best described as:

Answer: A healthy internalization maintaining relational connection

Continuing bonds theory supports that maintaining symbolic connection with the deceased through rituals like talking to a photo is a healthy grief adaptation.

Therese Rando identified which factor as a 'high-risk' predictor for complicated mourning following perinatal loss?

Answer: A sudden, unexpected loss with little opportunity to prepare

Rando identified sudden, unexpected death — common in perinatal loss — as a significant risk factor for complicated mourning due to the absence of anticipatory grief.

Which model specifically addresses the oscillation between loss-orientation and restoration-orientation in bereavement?

Answer: Dual Process Model by Stroebe & Schut

Stroebe and Schut's Dual Process Model (1999) describes healthy grieving as a dynamic oscillation between confronting loss and attending to life changes and restoration.

In the context of perinatal bereavement, 'disenfranchised grief' most commonly occurs when:

Answer: Society does not recognize the depth of the loss, such as after early miscarriage

Doka's disenfranchised grief describes losses that society fails to acknowledge as significant, such as early pregnancy loss, leaving parents without social support.

According to Worden's Task II of mourning, 'Working through the pain of grief,' which clinical intervention best supports a bereaved parent?

Answer: Creating space for parents to express their pain without judgment

Task II requires the mourner to experience and process emotional pain; the counselor's role is to provide a safe, non-judgmental space to facilitate this work.