Coping processes among bereaved spouses.

ABSTRACT

The authors investigated if an intervention based on the dual process model (vs. traditional bereavement support) enhanced oscillation between loss- (LO) and restoration-oriented (RO) coping of recently bereaved (2-6 months) spouses/partners. Participants were followed over 12 months. The authors found an increased emphasis over time on RO coping, particularly for women and those who were younger; however, no treatment effect was detected. Although patterns in the data are consistent with the model, the authors conclude that it is difficult for interventions to modify LO, RO, and oscillation unless there is sufficient intervention dosage and tailored to those exclusively engaged in one process.