Are shame and self-esteem risk factors in prolonged grief after death of a spouse?

Death Stud

a SA Health , South Australia , Australia.

Published: July 2018

Although many single factors of prolonged grief have been identified in the literature, a comprehensive understanding of predictors is still lacking. This article argues that shame and low self-esteem, present risk factors in prolonged grief after spousal loss, based on a review of correlational studies. Using a practitioner-scientist approach, a developmental model of shame as a core factor in prolonged grief is proposed, outlining the progression from childhood relational trauma, to insecure attachment, shame, self-esteem contingent on spousal approval to eventual prolonged grief.

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http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/07481187.2017.1351501DOI Listing

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