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Holm M, Alvariza A, Fürst CJ, Öhlen J, Årestedt K. Psychometric evaluation of the Texas revised inventory of grief in a sample of bereaved family caregivers. Res Nurs Health 2018; 41:480-488. [PMID: 30311668 DOI: 10.1002/nur.21886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The Texas Revised Inventory of Grief (TRIG) was developed to measure the intensity of grief after the death of a close person. It consists of two scales: TRIG I (past behaviors) and TRIG II (present feelings). Because of inconsistencies in previous validations, the instrument needs to be further validated, hence the aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the TRIG in a sample of bereaved family caregivers in Sweden. The TRIG was translated to Swedish according to standard principles, and 129 bereaved family caregivers completed the questionnaire. Parallel analysis was used to decide the number of factors to extract, followed by confirmatory factor analysis. An ordinal version of Cronbach's alpha was used to evaluate the internal consistency of the scales. Construct validity was tested against the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The factor analyses resulted in one factor being retained for both scales. The internal consistency was excellent (α > 0.9) for both scales. Construct validity was supported by strong correlations between TRIG I and TRIG II as well as moderate correlations between the TRIG scales and HADS. In conclusion, the TRIG has sound psychometric qualities and the two scales should be treated as unidimensional measures of grief. Hence, the instrument is suited to be used in the context of palliative care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Holm
- Department of Nursing Sciences, Sophiahemmet University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anette Alvariza
- Department of Health Care Sciences, Ersta Sköndal Bräcke University College, Stockholm, Sweden.,Capio Geriatrics, Palliative care unit, Dalen Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Carl-Johan Fürst
- Department of Clinical Science and the Institute for Palliative Care, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Joakim Öhlen
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Centre for Person-Centred Care, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Kristofer Årestedt
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden.,Department of Research, Kalmar County Hospital, Kalmar, Sweden
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Delalibera M, Presa J, Coelho A, Barbosa A, Franco MHP. Family dynamics during the grieving process: a systematic literature review. CIENCIA & SAUDE COLETIVA 2015; 20:1119-34. [DOI: 10.1590/1413-81232015204.09562014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2014] [Accepted: 05/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The loss of a loved one can affect family dynamics by changing the family system and creating the need for family members to reorganize. Good family functioning, which is characterized by open communication, expression of feelings and thoughts and cohesion among family members, facilitates adaptive adjustment to the loss. This study conducted a systematic review of the literature on family dynamics during the grieving process. A search was conducted in the EBSCO, Web of Knowledge and Bireme databases for scientific articles published from January 1980 to June 2013. Of the 389 articles found, only 15 met all the inclusion criteria. The selected studies provided evidence that dysfunctional families exhibit more psychopathological symptoms, more psychosocial morbidity, poorer social functioning, greater difficulty accessing community resources, lower functional capacity at work, and a more complicated grieving process. Family conflicts were also emphasized as contributing to the development of a complicated grieving process, while cohesion, expression of affection and good communication in families are believed to mitigate grief symptoms.
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Nanni MG, Biancosino B, Grassi L. Pre-loss symptoms related to risk of complicated grief in caregivers of terminally ill cancer patients. J Affect Disord 2014; 160:87-91. [PMID: 24445130 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2013.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2013] [Revised: 12/12/2013] [Accepted: 12/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE A number of studies have underlined a 10-20% prevalence of complicated grief (CG) among caregivers of cancer patients. The study aimed at examining the relationship between pre-loss criteria for CG and post-loss diagnosis of CG and at evaluating the validity and factor structure of a predictive tool, the Inventory of Complicated Grief (ICG), in order to identify the risk of developing CG in a sample of Italian caregivers. METHODS Sixty family members of terminally ill patients admitted to hospice and receiving a Palliative Prognostic Score (PaP) predictive 30 day survival time <30% completed the Pre-Death ICG (ICG-PL) (T0). Family members were met again 6 months after the death of their loved one (T1) and submitted to the interview for Complicated Grief (Post-loss interview-PLI). RESULTS Caseness for CG was shown in 18.3% of caregivers at T1. ICG-PL score (T0) were higher among those who developed CG at T1 than non-cases. A cut off score ≥49 on the ICG-PL (AUC=0.98) maximized sensitivity (92%) and specificity (98%) on caseness at T1. Pre-loss criteria related to traumatic distress, separation distress and emotional symptoms in general were significantly related to a post-loss diagnosis of CG, while no effect was shown on duration of pre-loss distress. CONCLUSIONS The use of short screening tools, like the ICG-PL, may help health care professionals to identify subjects at risk for CG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Giulia Nanni
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Corso Giovecca 203, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Bruno Biancosino
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Corso Giovecca 203, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; Integrated Department of Mental Health and Drug Abuse, NHS Local Health Agency, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Luigi Grassi
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Corso Giovecca 203, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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Fasse L, Sultan S, Flahault C. Le deuil, des signes à l’expérience. Réflexions sur la norme et le vécu de la personne endeuillée à l’heure de la classification du deuil compliqué. EVOLUTION PSYCHIATRIQUE 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.evopsy.2013.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Winegard BM, Reynolds T, Baumeister RF, Winegard B, Maner JK. Grief Functions as an Honest Indicator of Commitment. PERSONALITY AND SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY REVIEW 2014; 18:168-86. [DOI: 10.1177/1088868314521016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Grief is a puzzling phenomenon. It is often costly and prolonged, potentially increasing mortality rates, drug abuse, withdrawal from social life, and susceptibility to illness. These costs cannot be repaid by the deceased and therefore might appear wasted. In the following article, we propose a possible solution. Using the principles of social selection theory, we argue that an important selective pressure behind the human grief response was the social decisions of other humans. We combine this with insights from signaling theory, noting that grief shares many properties with other hard-to-fake social signals. We therefore contend that grief was shaped by selective forces to function as a hard-to-fake signal of (a) a person’s propensity to form strong, non-utilitarian bonds and (b) a person’s current level of commitment to a group or cause. This theory explains many of the costly symptoms of grief and provides a progressive framework for future research.
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Clinical Implications for Supporting Caregivers at the End-of-Life: Findings and from a Qualitative Study. CONTEMPORARY FAMILY THERAPY 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s10591-012-9194-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Agnew A, Manktelow R, Taylor B, Jones L. Bereavement needs assessment in specialist palliative care: a review of the literature. Palliat Med 2010; 24:46-59. [PMID: 19762368 DOI: 10.1177/0269216309107013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Bereavement needs assessment for specialist palliative care services has been highlighted as important by NICE guidance on palliative care for adults with cancer. Identifying and implementing appropriate bereavement measurement tools has remained a challenge. This paper identifies and reviews bereavement measurement tools to determine their suitability for use within bereavement services and hospice settings. Cochrane, MEDLINE, PsycINFO and CINAHL, electronic databases were searched, yielding 486 papers. From fifty-nine full text papers appraised, 10 measurement tools were analysed in detail. Some tools had been tested on specific populations which limited transferability to specialist palliative care settings; some lacked adequate theoretical links and were not effective in discriminating between normal and complicated grief reactions; and some lacked clear evidence of validity or reliability. Based on these criteria, conclusions are drawn about the suitability of particular tools for UK bereavement services and hospice settings where intervention is delivered by both trained professionals and volunteers.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Agnew
- Marie Curie Cancer Care, Belfast, Northern Ireland.
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Winterling J, Wasteson E, Arving C, Johansson B, Glimelius B, Nordin K. Factors associated with psychological distress and grief resolution in surviving spouses of patients with advanced gastrointestinal cancer. Support Care Cancer 2009; 18:1377-84. [PMID: 19936800 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-009-0753-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2009] [Accepted: 09/23/2009] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
GOALS OF WORK Patients with advanced gastrointestinal cancer often have a short survival time. This means that spouses only have a short time to adjust to the approaching death. The aim was to explore whether psychological distress at diagnosis, the course of the illness (anti-tumour treatment, respite period and survival time), the spouses' experience of the care and of losing a loved one were related to distress and grief resolution after the patient had deceased. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty-one spouses were followed prospectively from the patient's diagnosis of advanced gastrointestinal cancer to 6 months after the patient death. Spouses' experiences were measured with an interview, psychological distress with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and grief resolution with the Grief Resolution Index. MAIN RESULTS The spouses' anxiety at the time of diagnosis was related to their anxiety and grief resolution at follow-up. Two additional factors were associated with higher levels of anxiety at follow-up; the patient having received anti-tumour treatment and the spouse having experienced stress as a caregiver. CONCLUSIONS The study indicates that anti-tumour treatment, though it has the potential to prolong life, does not positively influence spouses' psychological distress and bereavement after the death of the patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanette Winterling
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Section of Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala Science Park, 751 83 Uppsala, Sweden.
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Fobair P, Stearns NN, Christ G, Dozier-Hall D, Newman NW, Zabora J, Schnipper HH, Kennedy V, Loscalzo M, Stensland SM, Hedlund S, Lauria MM, Fife M, Herschl J, Marcusen CP, Vaitones V, Brintzenhofeszoc K, Walsh K, Lawson K, Desonier M. Historical threads in the development of oncology social work. J Psychosoc Oncol 2009; 27:155-215. [PMID: 19337929 DOI: 10.1080/07347330902775301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
As the Association of Oncology Social Work celebrates its 25th year, we pause to reflect on the many historical threads that contributed to its development and hear from each of the presidents who helped create the organization, as we know it today. Set within hospitals, medical social work was born in the early 20th century. In the 1940s medical social work became necessary for hospital accreditation. Two additional historical shifts, one in medical improvements in treating cancer, the other a shift to a consumer-oriented American Cancer Society, contributed to the push for a greater role for the federal government in funding cancer research. Oncology social work came to full blossom in the 1970s, a result of the physicians' need for a member of the health care team who understood cancer, its treatment, and the patient's need to address his or her psychosocial needs resulting from cancer. Today, oncology social work is a fully developed profession with a national organization providing education and support to oncology social workers' in their use of psychosocial interventions and research in behalf of cancer patients and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Fobair
- Stanford University Hospital, Cancer Center, Stanford, CA, USA.
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Frick E, Rieg-Appleson C, Tyroller M, Bumeder I. Social Support, Affectivity, and the Quality of Life of Patients and Their Support-Givers Prior to Stem Cell Transplantation. J Psychosoc Oncol 2008; 23:15-34. [PMID: 16618686 DOI: 10.1300/j077v23n04_02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine differences and interdependencies between patients and their support-givers prior to PBSCT. METHOD Patients and their principal support-givers completed the Illness- Specific Social Support Scale (ISSS), the Profile of Mood States, and the EORTC QLQ-C30. RESULTS One hundred fifty-five of 200 eligible patients replied. They nominated spouse/partner (70.6%), friends, and children as principal support source. Patients receiving social support from spouses reported a better HRQoL than patients who nominated other persons as the principal source of social support. Patients perceived more positive (p < .01) and more problematic (p < .05) social interactions than support-givers. The support-givers nominated: children (25.8%), spouse/partner, and siblings. Analysis showed an additional effect of gender and support-giving role (female patients scored worst in overall QoL, male support- givers best). CONCLUSION Psychotherapeutic interventions should not only address the patients' problems but also the support-givers' questions, needs, and psychosocial burdens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eckhard Frick
- University of Munich, Department of Psychology and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Clinic, Nubbaumstr 7, Munich, 80336, Germany.
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Swarte NB, van der Lee ML, van der Bom JG, van den Bout J, Heintz APM. Effects of euthanasia on the bereaved family and friends: a cross sectional study. BMJ 2003; 327:189. [PMID: 12881258 PMCID: PMC166123 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.327.7408.189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess how euthanasia in terminally ill cancer patients affects the grief response of bereaved family and friends. DESIGN Cross sectional study. SETTING Tertiary referral centre for oncology patients in Utrecht, the Netherlands. PARTICIPANTS 189 bereaved family members and close friends of terminally ill cancer patients who died by euthanasia and 316 bereaved family members and close friends of comparable cancer patients who died a natural death between 1992 and 1999. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Symptoms of traumatic grief assessed by the inventory of traumatic grief, current feelings of grief assessed by the Texas revised inventory of grief, and post-traumatic stress reactions assessed by the impact of event scale. RESULTS The bereaved family and friends of cancer patients who died by euthanasia had less traumatic grief symptoms (adjusted difference -5.29 (95% confidence interval -8.44 to -2.15)), less current feeling of grief (adjusted difference 2.93 (0.85 to 5.01)); and less post-traumatic stress reactions (adjusted difference -2.79 (-5.33 to -0.25)) than the family and friends of patients who died of natural causes. These differences were independent of other risk factors. CONCLUSIONS The bereaved family and friends of cancer patients who died by euthanasia coped better with respect to grief symptoms and post-traumatic stress reactions than the bereaved of comparable cancer patients who died a natural death. These results should not be interpreted as a plea for euthanasia, but as a plea for the same level of care and openness in all patients who are terminally ill.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikkie B Swarte
- Department of Gynaecology, F05.829, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 85500, 3508 GA Utrecht, Netherlands.
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Piper WE, Ogrodniczuk JS, Joyce AS, Mccallum M, Weideman R, Azim HF. Ambivalence and other relationship predictors of grief in psychiatric outpatients. J Nerv Ment Dis 2001; 189:781-7. [PMID: 11758662 DOI: 10.1097/00005053-200111000-00008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Ambivalence has been viewed as an important causal agent in the development of complicated grief. However, examination of studies commonly cited as supporting this belief reveals basic limitations in their methodology and conclusions. The current study examined associations between several relationship predictors (ambivalence, affiliation, and dependence) and both grief-specific symptoms and depression in two samples of psychiatric outpatients who had experienced loss of significant others. Findings from the first sample (N = 138) were used to test for evidence of cross-validation in the second sample (N = 139). Contrary to traditional belief, ambivalence was inversely related to severity of grief symptoms. In contrast, affiliation and dependence were directly related to severity of grief symptoms. None of the predictors provided evidence of cross-validation in the case of depression. Explanations for the findings and clinical implications are considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- W E Piper
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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