Grief and Bereavement Support in Palliative Care

Grief begins upon the diagnosis of a life-limiting illness and continues as an ever-present companion throughout the illness and after the death of a loved one. Historical perspectives about grief have been replaced by research findings that offer a more realistic appraisal about the experience of grief and appropriate supports that may aid in its facilitation. Grief is now viewed as an adaptive process that helps an individual integrate the loss into their assumptive world in a way that restores a sense of coherence and meaning. New clinical approaches recognize the extensive diversity that is present in grief, and help to facilitate the unfolding of the grieving process as a means of rebuilding the assumptive world after it has been shattered by loss. This chapter will review the evolution of theories and research about grief, including when there are complications to the grieving process. Current clinical approaches will be presented and discussed as well.