Suddenness of death as a determinant of differential grief experiences

Abstract Previous research has shown that bereavement following the loss of a loved one can often produce a variety of physical and psychological effects for the individuals left behind. Specifically, the suddenness and violence of a death may be particularly important determinants of subsequent negative psychological functioning. The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of the grief experiences of individuals bereaved by different causes of death, specifically focusing on the suddenness of the death. Adult participants completed an online survey including demographic questions and psychological measures. The results suggest that individuals who lost someone to a sudden death reported more negative outcomes and impairment than individuals who lost someone to a more expected death. These results suggest that the cause and circumstances surrounding the death may play an important role in an individual’s grief and bereavement experiences.